French Parliament Passes Controversial Immigration Overhaul Amidst Political Protests

The French Parliament has approved an immigration overhaul that was made tougher under right-wing pressure, securing a legislative win for President Emmanuel Macron but risking a political crisis for a leader elected twice on centrist vows to keep far-right populism at bay. The bill creates one-year, temporary residency permits for skilled workers in fields experiencing labor shortages and streamlines the asylum process, but it also tightens rules allowing foreigners to work, live, or study in France. The compromises made to secure the bill's passage have exposed fractures in Macron's party and put him in an uncomfortable position between a brewing internal revolt and the support of the far-right National Rally party.