There was a time when Alpes-Maritimes and Hautes-Alpes witnessed an innovation in the area of migration management: the introduction of the “force frontière”. This unit, initially confined to these regions, is now preparing to extend across the entire French territory. Through this deployment, France seeks to strengthen its migration policy, emphasizing control of entries at its internal borders, a response to growing challenges posed by migratory movements. This extension reflects a willingness to combine protection and regulation, while respecting national and European legislative frameworks.

The French migration policy has recently integrated a device called “force frontière”, deployed since the summer of 2023 in Alpes-Maritimes and Hautes-Alpes, and now expanded to the entire territory. This aims to strengthen migration control measures, particularly through the refusal of entry at the border. Between 2018 and 2022, France pronounced nearly 240,000 refusals of entry at its internal borders. At the same time, asylum requests saw exponential growth, tripling over a decade. The expansion of the “force frontière” is part of a strategy aimed at tightening the regulation of migratory flows, in response to increasing concerns regarding irregular immigration.

the impact of the French border force

Since the summer of 2023, an integrated ” force frontière ” system has been implemented in Alpes-Maritimes and Hautes-Alpes. Its effectiveness has led to its expansion across the entire national territory. This approach aims to respond to the rising tensions surrounding migration issues. The deployment is not without controversy, with some critics highlighting humanitarian and legal concerns. Opponents of this policy point out the risk of creating a climate of suspicion between citizens and law enforcement. To understand the context of the emergence of the “force frontière”, it is essential to retrace recent legislative and administrative developments.

debates about immigration in France

The question of immigration is at the heart of political debates in France. Opinions vary on how to manage migration flows, especially in light of the increase in asylum requests, which have tripled in ten years. Fabienne Keller, a member of the European Parliament, recently denounced the use of fear as a political tool and the increased control measures. According to her, these practices threaten the fundamental values of the European Union. However, the government justifies the extension of the border force by the need to protect national borders in the face of an influx of migrants.To read more, click here.

challenges of expanding the border force

The expansion of the “border force” presents significant challenges for the French administration. The integration of this device requires adjustments, particularly in terms of coordination among the various governmental branches. The stakes do not end there: France must also ensure compliance with its international obligations concerning human rights and the right to asylum. Increased surveillance of borders comes with a demand for transparency and guarantees of fundamental rights. Establishing a fair and balanced policy remains a crucial objective to address public concerns and engage in a constructive dialogue on the future of immigration in France.