When the French get thoroughly scared they can be a lot tougher on  a few points than America, at least where actual combat is not involved. The new government—supported immigration bill going through the parliament in Paris has provisions that US conservatives can only dream of:

1. All immigrants must have residency permits. Because France has registered all its residents since Napoleon, there is no debate over a national identity card. In point of fact, everyone already has one ——— with all the pros and cons thereof.

2. The proposed law will "do away with a provision that allows foreigners who have been in the country for more than 10 years — even those here illegally — to apply for French citizenship."  So much for Political Correctness and Multiculturalism.

3. "Create a renewable, three—year work permit for highly skilled foreigners."

4. "Require foreigners applying for long—term residency permits to attend French language and civics classes."

5. "Make obtaining 10—year—residency permits contingent on speaking French and respecting of the 'values of the French republic.'"

How can we get the Senate to "look to foreign law" on this one?

James Lewis   4 7 06