ABSTRACT
As an old colony, France has a long experience of being host country for immigrants of many origins. Over the past 150 years, migrants have arrived from all parts of the globe, mainly in the form of labour migration and family reunification. Currently, France is trying to deal with both its tradition of relative tolerance towards immigration (mainly due to lack of manpower in some sectors of the labour market and the demographic gaps created by several wars) and the vocal opposition of extreme right-wing movements to further settlement. This bipolarity is reflected within political and media trends. The French government is increasing its regulations in its attempt to reduce migration flows and concentrate them in order to meet new economic patterns (either flexible or highly skilled workers), while demonstrations for better treatment of illegal yet working migrants are taking place. Immigration itself is a hot issue in political debates, yet its very terms are often unquestioned, referring to ‘common sense’, exaggerating the facts, and characterized by ongoing obsession rather than relying on scientific evidence (Heran 2007).
