Europe

France relaxes stance on immigration

New government makes it easier for immigrants to become citizens, but not everyone is pleased with new rules.
Last Modified: 08 Nov 2012 16:49

In 2010, about 116,000 foreigners were granted French citizenship, but in 2011 that figure fell by almost 30 per cent to 87,000.

A more relaxed system under the country's new socialist government should reverse the decline and encourage many more to apply for a passport, but this is something the opposition is fighting hard to stop.

Whatever their reason for wanting French nationality, immigrants will still have to navigate a maze of bureaucracy.

Al Jazeera's Charlie Angela reports from Paris.

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