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Constitution of 1958 “France shall be an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic. It shall ensure the equality of all citizens before the law, without distinction of origin, race or religion. It shall respect all beliefs. It shall be organised on a decentralised basis. Statutes shall promote equal access by women and men to elective offices and posts as well as to position of professional and social responsibility.” (Constitution, Article 1)
Its origins… • Immigration increases in the 1950s-1960s • Free and unregulated entries of immigrants from the Maghreb in Africa • High unemployment • 1990s—Pasqua Laws which strictly limited immigration
French-Algerian Relations There is little peace between those of “French cultural origin” and immigrants from Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco.
Immigration Political Cartoons “How many children do I have? Nine, ten…eleven, twelve…millions!” “Each year 25000 of the rich leave france” “Fortunately, we are there to replace them”
Discrimination against immigrants Most notably Arabs and Muslims Ill-treatment by law-enforcement officials of detainees Increased identity checks Strong French bias against immigrant religion and traditions
References • Constitution of october 4, 1958. Retrieved from http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/english/ • Hamilton, K., Simon, P., & Veniard, C. (2004). The challenge of french diversity. Retrieved from http://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/challenge-french-diversity • Human Rights Documentation Center. (n.d.). Racial discrimination: The record of france. Retrieved from http://www.racism.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1330:france01&catid=148&Itemid=254