Immigration to France since 1945: Myth and reality

Abstract The contention of this article is that the debate on ‘immigration’ in France needs to take into account a number of issues which are frequently underestimated or ignored. It argues for an appreciation of the complexity of both the historical background to immigration and the current economic and social status of migrants and their descendants. First, the surge of migration over the last three decades, and the role of the French state, must be seen in the context of economic and demographic issues that have dominated French thinking for a century or more. Second, ‘immigrants’ cannot be treated as a homogeneous group. The very meaning of the word needs to be carefully defined in the light of the very varied status of groups by place of birth and nationality. Many of the current stereotypes are, it is argued, false and inimical to balanced discussions of the issue. Thirdly, the article reassesses the role of state policy since 1945 and reviews the varying impact of controls on migration. Finally, the case is put for addressing some aspects of the question at the regional rather than the national scale and for taking into account very recent changes in the demand for migrants that will have significant effects on their future role.