France Getting Tough with Those Aiding Illegal Immigration

The French government sets quotas on arresting French citizens aiding and abetting illegal aliens and this year’s number is 5,000. French authorities insist on shutting down those who profit from helping immigrants in France illegally.

Under French law, anyone who facilitates “the entry, movement or irregular (illegal) stay of a foreigner in France” faces up to five years in prison and a 30,000-euro maximum fine. The 2009 finance law in France set this year’s arrest quota, which jumps to 5,500 by 2011.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy proudly points to France’s deportation numbers, which was 29,796 in 2008 compared to a goal of 26,000. But this is the first time the government is publicly promoting its goal of tracking down those that help illegal aliens.

For more information on France’s immigration efforts, see the Associated Press.