Immigrants Are Well Integrated To The French Society

21 Feb 2013

A new poll finds widespread anxiety about immigration in France with 70 percent saying there are "too many foreigners."  29 percent of the respondents to the poll say immigrants are "well-integrated" into French society, The Local.fr reported. The poll was conducted for the left-leaning newspaper Le Monde by Ipsos.

French historian Michel Wincock said the results suggest there could be a broad-based movement against foreigners.

"The ingredients for populism are there and not just in the ranks of Marine Le Pen's Front National party," Wincock said in Le Monde, referring to the nationalist and anti-immigrant party that came in third in the 2012 presidential election with almost 18 percent of the vote.

Wincock suggested many in France are now "afraid of everything." The poll showed 90 percent of respondents believe France has less economic power, 63 percent that the country's cultural influence has waned and 51 percent that further decline is "inevitable." An overwhelming majority, 87 percent, said France "needs a true leader to restore order."

Almost half, 46 percent, of respondents said curbing immigration is necessary to reduce unemployment. More than three-quarters, 77 percent, said they are concerned about religious fundamentalism and 57 percent said they believe racism is common in the country.

Six out of 10, 62 percent, said they do not feel at home in France. The poll of 1,000 people was conducted online.

Even when there is a debate regarding the immigration policies, France need more immigrants in the skilled worker category. This is required for the development of the country due to the shortage of skills and the requirements for new skills. France cannot just turn its eyes away from skilled immigration to France. France immigration can be possible for people who hold a skill which is required in France.