Naturalizations: a new circular from Bruno Retailleau adopts a more restrictive tone

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has just published a new circular on the naturalization of foreigners which, in form, places greater emphasis on provisions likely to restrict access to French nationality but without any substantial changes, according to the document revealed Sunday by Le Figaro and consulted by AFP.

Bruno Retailleau is scheduled to present its contents on Monday morning during a visit to the Val-de-Marne prefecture in Créteil. He had already revised the Valls circular on the conditions for regularizing undocumented foreigners in France in January .

This five-page text, to which the charter of rights and duties of the French citizen is annexed, was distributed to all prefects by the minister, who takes a hard line on immigration and is also a candidate for the presidency of the LR.

In this new circular, Bruno Retailleau recalls that "case law establishes naturalization not as a right, but as a sovereign decision of the government." Based on a provision of the Darmanin law, Bruno Retailleau asks prefects to ensure that the level of proficiency in French required to obtain naturalization is strengthened. The same applies to adherence to the values ​​of the Republic. The minister also lists the elements of assessment demonstrating "the exemplary nature of the applicant's background," particularly with regard to proven irregular residence.

The applicant's autonomy is also emphasized. This must translate into "professional integration" over five years. A raised threshold. The applicant must demonstrate "sufficient and stable resources," excluding social benefits, the document insists. Prefects are required to provide the minister with a report on the application of the circular within three months.

In 2024, acquisitions of French nationality by decree and by declaration (marriage, ascendants and siblings) amounted to 66,745, an increase of 8.3% compared to 2023, an increase which can be explained by a catch-up after a year 2023 marked by technical difficulties, according to the General Directorate for Foreigners in France which depends on the Ministry of the Interior.