France's justice minister has put forward a radical proposal to suspend all legal migration into the country for a period of two to three years. Gerald Darmanin made the announcement as official statistics reveal immigration levels have reached a new peak, with a concurrent opinion poll indicating overwhelming public backing for stricter controls.
Proposal Details and Political Context
The conservative minister, who is widely expected to launch a presidential bid in 2027, outlined his plan during an interview with the news channel LCI. He stated that the proposed moratorium would apply to employment-based migration and family reunification schemes.
'There would be some exceptions, for instance, for doctors, researchers and some students,' Darmanin clarified, suggesting a selective approach to essential skills.
Record Immigration Figures and Public Sentiment
According to recently released interior ministry data, legal immigrants now constitute more than 8% of France's adult population, equating to approximately 4.5 million people. The nation granted legal status to 384,230 new immigrants last year alone.
A new opinion poll conducted for the right-wing outlet CNews found that 80% of French voters believe the country should toughen its immigration policies. Furthermore, 67% specifically expressed support for Darmanin's proposal of a temporary halt.
Darmanin's Immigration Record and Future Vision
Darmanin previously served as interior minister from 2020 to 2024, a tenure during which he actively pursued a stricter immigration agenda. His 2024 immigration bill, which placed restrictions on migrants' access to benefits, family reunification, and citizenship for children born in France, was passed by parliament.
However, these measures were later scrapped after President Emmanuel Macron referred the bill to the Constitutional Council, a move that drew criticism from conservatives who accused him of watering down the legislation.
Looking beyond the proposed moratorium, the justice minister has suggested that France should subsequently introduce a 'quota system' for immigration. He has also floated the idea of holding a referendum 'to ask the French people directly, how many [immigrants] you want'.
Broader European Migration Strategy
This national proposal emerges as the European Union prepares to set its first-ever target to reduce illegal immigration. European Home Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, who is leading a major overhaul of EU migration policy, outlined the new strategy to The Times.
'It's about bringing the numbers down and keeping them down,' Brunner stated, emphasising a results-driven approach.
EU Migration Challenges and Public Anger
The bloc faced a significant crisis in 2015 when 1.32 million asylum seekers entered the EU. By the end of 2023, that cumulative figure had risen to over 8.5 million people arriving to claim asylum. Although 50-60% of asylum decisions result in an order to leave, approximately 80% of those refused do not depart.
This situation has fuelled considerable public frustration across member states regarding perceived failures in border security and the deportation of illegal migrants, including those with criminal records. Brunner acknowledged this sentiment, linking it to growing support for hard-right parties with stricter views on migration.
'I don't think it's about left or right or extreme parties. It's about getting it done, getting things right and listening to the voters,' he said.
Recent Results and Future Priorities
Brunner's current approach has yielded some measurable outcomes. Illegal crossings into the EU were down 26% over the past year to 178,000, which is less than half the number recorded two years ago.
Deportations remain the commissioner's top priority. A new EU directive will impose a ten-year entry ban and automatic deportation order on asylum seekers who are removed. These individuals will be returned to their country of origin or to designated 'return hubs' located outside the EU.
The policy also allows for migrants who have committed crimes during their asylum process or who have suspected terrorist links to be held in detention centres.
'Only one out of five people who are illegally in the EU are being returned to their home countries,' Brunner noted. 'That's what we want to change.'
He concluded by stressing the need to restore public confidence: 'We have to give people back the feeling that we are in control of our borders, and of who comes and who is allowed to stay.'
