French lower house rejects Macron’s immigration bill

PARIS: The French lower house of parliament on Monday adopted a motion to reject a highly controversial immigration bill, dealing a major blow to the government of President Emmanuel Macron.

Originally proposed by Macron´s centrist government with a mix of steps to expel more undocumented people and improve integration, the text now leans firmly towards enforcement after its passage through the Senate, which is controlled by the right.

Speaking at the National Assembly, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday defended the bill, which further restricts the ability for migrants to bring family members into France, birthright citizenship and welfare benefits.