Immigration: Federalism of Responsibility
Overcoming political powerlessness by bringing decisions to the local level and entrusting them to citizens. Turning immigration policy from a problem endured into a project chosen.
The Assessment
Immigration has become the main fuel for populism in Europe, largely because citizens feel they have been stripped of all control. The federal project provides a democratic, responsible and effective response.
A. Quotas defined by regional referendum
Each year, the Regional Council proposes a "policy framework law on reception and integration" setting labour immigration quotas based on the real needs of the economy (sectors under strain, unfilled positions).
This proposal is submitted to an annual regional referendum. Citizens directly validate or reject the reception policy of their territory — legitimizing the chosen policy and making citizens co-responsible.
B. The Regional Residence Permit
- Duration: 5 years, limited to the territory of the host Region
- Conditions: residence and work in the regional territory
- Social rights: conditional on residency in the Region
- Pathway: after 5 years of continuous residence + language mastery + respect for republican values → application for a national permit opening the path to French citizenship
This mechanism ensures that the Region that voted for and organized the reception assumes responsibility for it and reaps the economic benefits.
C. Role of the Federal State
Control of external borders and the Schengen area
Exclusive management of the right of asylum (international obligation)
Issuance of French citizenship (exclusive federal prerogative)