The new amendment of an immigration related bill, which is set to be observed by the French parliament today, is creating furore amongst scientists and the activist sphere: it would allow French authorities to incite immigration candidates to provide a genetic test proving their blood-relation to a French citizen (or immigrant with a valid French visa). Candidates would have to pay 1000 Euros for it - an equivalent of 750 Pounds ($1494). [more...]
The measure would be "optional", and would guarantee the immigrant to get his or her family over quicker, as the procedure accompagnied with DNA results would be relatively painless, relieving "bureaucratic suspicions".
Of course, some critics are pointing the fact that richer families able to afford the tests are obviously in an advantageous position than the poorer ones who will have to go through a longer and more hazardous procedure. And not surprisingly, many voices are rising to denounce the fact that affiliation does not equal biological affiliation (one can think of adopted children or recomposed families).
Many feel uneasy with the constant stigmatisation of immigrant families; genetic tests are usually (by law) reserved for judiciary proceedings. By systematically drawing a parallel between immigration and illegal activities or fraud, the government is about the pass a racist and xenophobic law, using science to police its (possibly future)citizens.
Elsewhere: Amnesty International France says extreme caution should be observed towards this law.
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