Naturalization: Retailleau calls on prefects to be more restrictive
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has just published a new circular on the naturalization of foreigners which, in form, places greater emphasis on provisions likely to restrict access to French nationality but without any substantial changes, according to the document revealed by Le Figaro .
Bruno Retailleau is scheduled to present its contents on Monday, May 5, during a visit to the Val-de-Marne prefecture in Créteil. In January, he had already revised the Valls circular on the conditions for regularizing undocumented foreigners in France.
This five-page text, to which the charter of rights and duties of the French citizen is annexed, was distributed to all prefects by the minister, who holds a hard line on immigration and is also a candidate for the presidency of the LR . In this new circular, Bruno Retailleau recalls that "case law establishes naturalization not as a right, but as a sovereign decision of the government."
In 2024, acquisitions of French nationality by decree and by declaration (marriage, ascendants and siblings) amounted to 66,745, an increase of 8.3% compared to 2023, an increase which can be explained by a catch-up after a year 2023 marked by technical difficulties, according to the General Directorate for Foreigners in France (DGEF) which depends on the Ministry of the Interior.
Based on a provision of the Darmanin law, Bruno Retailleau is asking prefects to ensure that the level of French language proficiency required to obtain naturalization is strengthened. The same applies to adherence to the values of the Republic. The minister also lists the elements of assessment demonstrating "the exemplary nature of the applicant's background," particularly with regard to proven irregular residence.
The applicant's autonomy is also emphasized. This must translate into "professional integration" over five years. A raised threshold. The applicant must demonstrate "sufficient and stable resources," excluding social benefits, the document insists.
The prefects are required to report to the minister within three months on the application of the circular.
La Croıx
