France's controversial new immigration law published in Official Gazette

By Esra Taskin

PARIS (AA) - In France, a controversial new immigration law, which the government passed through parliament with the votes of the far right, on Saturday was published in the Official Gazette.

Under the law, foreigners seeking a residence permit in France must "respect the values of the republic."

Also under the new law, the residence permits of foreigners who pose a danger to public order can be revoked or not renewed, and these people can be deported more easily.

Another new obligation for foreigners is if they request a residence permit for more than one year they will have to speak French at the A2 (intermediate) level.

The law led to weeks of nationwide protests, arguing that the new law could fuel discrimination and racism against foreign and dual citizens.

On Thursday, the Constitutional Council partially approved the immigration law, deciding to remove more than 30 of the 86 articles.

The council decided to remove articles that made the conditions for family reunification more strict and linked access to social benefits such as rental assistance for foreigners to the duration of their stay in France.