How to Become a French Citizen

Par Le Figaro in English pour le cercle :

• Le Figaro in English

The document above details French "principles, values and symbols," which candidates for citizenship will soon have to accept.

A new decree requires a higher level of French for those seeking naturalization and officials may soon require a deeper knowledge of French history, as well. Citizenship candidates must also sign a new charter establishing their rights and responsibilities.

”You wish to become a French citizen. It is an important decision that you must not take lightly. Becoming French is not an easy administrative task. Acquiring French nationality is a decision that will affect you and after you, it will affect your descendants,” explains the Charter of the Rights and Responsibilities of a French Citizen. 

From now on, all naturalization candidates must sign this document, as well as passing the assimilation interview that finalizes their demand for citizenship.

The charter, required by a law on immigration and integration passed on June 16, 2011, was written by the High Council on Immigration (HCI), which presented the document to Interior Minister Claude Guéant on Tuesday afternoon.

These new measures continue the French debate on what it means to be French.

Obligations of the Charter

Though the charter is, above all, symbolic, it does underline certain obligations, such as “All citizens must work together for the defense and cohesion of the nation” and “In becoming French, you can no longer reclaim another nationality while on French territory.”

The latter is a response to recent debates on double nationality occurring after several UMP deputies considered outlawing the practice.

In actuality, legally outlawing double nationality is practically impossible as some countries do not allow citizens to renounce their citizenship. This is the case in Morocco: a Moroccan and his or her descendants remain citizens forever in the eyes of the Kingdom.

A member of the Interior Ministry recognized that while outlawing double nationality would be an attempt to “legislate foreign laws,” he noted that the real goal of the document was to assure that those becoming French citizens are well assimilated.

To that end, the charter will soon include a section detailing the social rights of French citizens such as paid maternity leave. This part is awaiting validation by the State Council before being adopted. 

Also awaiting validation is a section detailing French values.  If, for example, a candidate rejects the separation of church and state—so-called laïcité, an important French cultural value— or the equality of men and women, he or she could be denied citizenship.

New Requirements

Recent decrees have also set other new standards for those seeking citizenship. Officials have increased the level of French required by a decree passed in November and applicable starting in January.

Candidates must now have a French level that corresponds with ”the termination of obligatory schooling.”  Some immigrants, who have lived for years in France, are illiterate, and could face difficulties because of it.

Officials say that this measure isn’t about restricting access to nationality.

”When you are French, you speak French,” said Claude Guéant.

A Basic Knowledge of History

Starting in January, laws will also require candidates for French citizenship to demonstrate a basic knowledge of French history, general culture and society.

The minister brought together a team of historians to establish the standards.

They are currently putting together the test, which will probably take the form of a questionnaire.

“The Will to Adopt this Country That Has Welcomed You”

Ultimately, the new charter reminds candidates that becoming a citizen is about cultural adhesion:

”You and your descendants must have the will to adopt this country that has welcomed you and will become your own is for; the will to adopt its history, its principles and its values. In doing so, you must integrate into the national community, accept to contribute to the nation’s defense, and become an actor in its future. In return, France will recognize you as a citizen of the Republic.” 

Last year, almost 95,000 people were naturalized. A significant group of new citizens had been in France for over 15 years. Many decided to seek naturalization when their children decided to become French citizens.

”My country is where my family lives, where my children and grandchildren live. That country is France,” said Fatouma, age 50, who was naturalized last August after 25 years of residency in France.

Reporter Cecilia Gabizon, who follows immigration and integration issues for Le Figaro, is also a member of the HCI.