Restrict law on naturalisation

Opposition UMP says it will examine how children of immigrants receive French nationality

FRANCE’S laws on naturalisation will be examined by the opposition UMP.

The party wants to place greater limits on the way the children of both legal and illegal immigrants can receive French nationality.

The idea was one of several new plans on immigration put forward at a party conference.

“France is far too attractive socially for immigrants,” said party leader Jean-François Copé.

Among other suggestions were the removal of different types of meals in school cantines for religious reasons, greater restrictions on the access to medical care and benefits and reinforcing the Schengen borders which surround the EU zone of free movement.

The party is seeking to attract votes from the far-right Front National in the run-up to the municipal and European elections.

It will examine proposals among its groups in both the Senate and National Assembly with a view to putting forward a law early next year.

Currently a child born in France to at least one parent also born in France is automatically a French citizen.

Other children born here may choose to take on French nationality at 18, depending on their parents’ nationalities and the length of time they, or their parents have lived in the country.