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France Passes Controversial DNA Immigration Bill

DNA testing has citizens up in arms

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 24, 2007 6:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – France's hotly contested immigration bill that includes provisions for DNA testing passed the legislature yesterday. The bill tightens restrictions on would-be immigrants applying for entry to reunite with family members already in the country, and could include DNA testing to prove they're related to people living in France.

Thousands protested the bill over the weekend. Proponents say the changes will reduce fraud and speed up the process for legitimate candidates, while opponents argue that the new law is racist and that human rights ideals should govern residency, not genetics. "This law violates the fundamental principles of the republic which do not define family and affiliation by biology," said a critic.

A protestor carries a banner reading "We hate DNA tests", during a demonstration against the government immigration policy, in Paris, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007. France's parliament approved a bill yesterday... (Associated Press)

A protestor carries a poster reading "You don't have the right DNA but I still love you", during a demonstration against the government immigration policy, in Paris, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007. France's... (Associated Press)

Protestors carry a banner hostile to French Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux during a demonstration against the government immigration policy, in Paris, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007. France races to deport... (Associated Press)

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France Passes Controversial DNA Immigration Bill

DNA testing has citizens up in arms

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Sarkozy Unveils 'Robin Hood' Tax

Financial transactions to be taxed starting this summer

France Toughens Citizenship Gauntlet

Now citizens must pass test of language, 'values'

Snub? Sarkozy, Cameron Have Handshake Fail

Even body language is under scrutiny at euro summit

Sarkozy: Change—or Kiss Eurozone Goodbye

At odds with Germany over ECB, deflation, budget enforcement

France, Germany Discussing Pared Down Euro Zone

Controversial plan means some countries would be out

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France Passes Controversial DNA Immigration Bill

DNA testing has citizens up in arms

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

immigration • Nicolas Sarkozy • France • DNA • French Parliament • Socialist Party

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Sarkozy Unveils 'Robin Hood' Tax

Financial transactions to be taxed starting this summer

France Toughens Citizenship Gauntlet

Now citizens must pass test of language, 'values'

Snub? Sarkozy, Cameron Have Handshake Fail

Even body language is under scrutiny at euro summit

Sarkozy: Change—or Kiss Eurozone Goodbye

At odds with Germany over ECB, deflation, budget enforcement

France, Germany Discussing Pared Down Euro Zone

Controversial plan means some countries would be out

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Newser By Users

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