Macron Outlines Expectations for Undocumented Immigrants in France

On the issue of undocumented immigrants, the French president said that they have "duties, before having rights." "We have a culture of welcome and things will go well if everyone does their duty." "I respect the rules, I try to integrate, I learn the language," he continued.

The French head of state explained that his country "will continue to invest to house and train," but those who arrive on French soil must also fulfill certain duties that will show their willingness to integrate into a society ready to welcome them with open arms. It is about "learning the language, training and then having a job, that’s the key," he explained, stressing that "at that point, we will collectively manage to pacify things, otherwise, all minds will catch fire," reports Le Figaro.

Expressing France’s generosity, Macron specified how crucial it is to respect the rules in terms of granting papers. But, "I’ve been waiting for eight years," laments an undocumented immigrant. "That means you don’t meet the criteria. We do our part, but we can’t welcome everyone," the French president responded, referring to the famous phrase of former Socialist Prime Minister Michel Rocard, who said that France could not "house all the misery of the world."

It should be noted that about thirty people, including "yellow vests," who were singing "We are here, we are here," were turned away by the police, even before the president arrived, followed by the Minister of Culture, Roselyne Bachelot.