Emmanuel Macron on Immigration Policy

Emmanuel Macron's approach to immigration policy has been characterized by an attempt to balance stricter controls with an acknowledgment of immigration's benefits, a stance that has seen him pivot towards tougher measures over time.

In his second term, Macron made a centerpiece of his agenda the passage of a new immigration bill aimed at enabling more effective deportations and speeding up asylum procedures, while also facilitating the legalization of undocumented workers in sectors facing labor shortages to boost the economy.

Despite presenting his initial draft as 'balanced,' the legislative process forced significant hardening of the law, ultimately securing passage with the support of the conservative LR and far-right RN parties, a development that caused internal government protest and was claimed as an 'ideological victory' by Marine Le Pen. Macron acknowledged he did not agree with all elements of the final law but deemed the compromise necessary for political life.

Earlier in his presidency, Macron also addressed refugee camps, stating in 2018 that he would not allow another one to form in Paris, while also planning to speed up asylum applications and deportations alongside providing better housing for refugees. His administration has consistently sought tighter European cooperation on migration management.