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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2009
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France Passes Controversial DNA Immigration Bill

DNA testing has citizens up in arms

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(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
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
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 25,000 illegal immigrants by the end of the year, a quota set by President Nicolas Sarkozy. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
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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