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The French Citizenship Row: Mayotte Caught in the Crossfire

France recently stirred up controversy with its announcement to amend the constitution, restricting citizenship to people born to immigrants in the overseas territory of Mayotte.

This move is seen as an attempt to curb immigration to the Indian Ocean islands. While it has been welcomed by the far-right, it has faced opposition from socialists who argue that birthright citizenship is non-negotiable. Leftist leaders fear that this constitutional amendment will set a precedent for the far-right to emulate it in mainland France.

This announcement comes on the heels of France’s highest court scrapping significant portions of a new immigration law aimed at tightening access to welfare benefits for foreigners and curbing immigration. Immigration has become a hotly debated issue in the country, and the latest controversy centers around Mayotte, an archipelago located between Madagascar and the African mainland.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin made the announcement about the change in citizenship rules for Mayotte on Sunday. He stated that children of immigrants born in Mayotte will no longer automatically become French citizens. This decision comes after weeks of protests in Mayotte, where the deterioration of living conditions has been attributed to immigration from the impoverished Comoro islands.

France recently stirred up controversy with its announcement to amend the constitution, restricting citizenship to people born to immigrants in the overseas territory of Mayotte.This move is seen as an attempt to curb immigration to the Indian Ocean islands. While it has been welcomed by the far-right, it has faced opposition from socialists who argue that birthright citizenship is non-negotiable. Leftist leaders fear that this constitutional amendment will set a precedent for the far-right to emulate it in mainland France.

This announcement comes on the heels of France's highest court scrapping significant portions of a new immigration law aimed at tightening access to welfare benefits for foreigners and curbing immigration. Immigration has become a hotly debated issue in the country, and the latest controversy centers around Mayotte, an archipelago located between Madagascar and the African mainland.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin made the announcement about the change in citizenship rules for Mayotte on Sunday. He stated that children of immigrants born in Mayotte will no longer automatically become French citizens. This decision comes after weeks of protests in Mayotte, where the deterioration of living conditions has been attributed to immigration from the impoverished Comoro islands.

According to Darmanin, "It will no longer be possible to become French if you are not the child of a French parent." Currently, France grants citizenship through both parentage and birthplace. The proposal to restrict citizenship in Mayotte has amplified political tensions in the country, further adding to the controversy surrounding the adoption of the new immigration law.

However, the French interior minister reassured the public that this "radical measure" would be limited to the Mayotte archipelago. This assurance was likely given to ease concerns that this decision would become a precedent for broader changes in citizenship laws throughout France.

Mayotte, with its unique geographical location and its history as a French overseas territory, has become a focal point for the debate on immigration. The archipelago has faced significant challenges due to its proximity to the impoverished Comoro islands, with many residents attributing their deteriorating living conditions to increased immigration from this neighboring region.

Mayotte, one of the five overseas departments of France, is located in the Indian Ocean off the East African coast and consists of two islands. The surrounding archipelago, known as the Comoros Islands, sought independence from France and became its own entity. However, Mayotte, being a Muslim-majority territory, voted to remain a part of France in 1974 and eventually became a full-fledged French department in 2011.

French overseas territories are a total of 12 territories administered by France outside of Europe. These territories, which are remnants of the French colonial empire, exist under various statuses within the French state. They are collectively known as overseas France and are home to more than 2.6 million people. These territories are subject to France's constitution and their local administrations cannot devise their own laws and regulations.

Recently, France has made a decision to revoke birthplace citizenship in Mayotte as a means to curb immigration. The French interior minister, in agreement with President Emmanuel Macron, believes that this reform will address the issue of increased immigration and gang violence, which have contributed to declining living standards in the territory.

Many Mayotte residents have voiced their concerns about the strain on essential services such as health, housing, and education due to the influx of immigrants. These issues were brought to light during protests held in the capital city, Mamoudzou, where protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of basic amenities such as water shortage. The interior minister believes that this measure will discourage potential immigrants and reduce the attractiveness of the archipelago.

According to France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the island of Mayotte spans a total area of 375 square kilometers, or 145 square miles, and is said to be home to around 310,000 people. However, officials believe that this estimate severely underrepresents the actual population.

Desperate socio-economic conditions plague Mayotte, with more than 40 percent of the islanders struggling to survive on less $172 per month, according to INSEE. Adding to the challenges faced by the residents, residence permits issued to foreigners on the island are restricted to Mayotte and cannot be used to travel to mainland France. This system has been heavily criticized by protesters, who are demanding its elimination.

In response, the authorities, led by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, have included the abolition of this measure as part of their planned reform in the hopes of appeasing the protesters. While some individuals among the protest movement have welcomed this decision, the overall situation in Mayotte remains complex and underserved.

The controversy surrounding the French citizenship row in Mayotte raises broader questions about national identity, citizenship, and immigration policy. It highlights the delicate balance that governments must strike between protecting their citizens' interests while also upholding principles of inclusivity and human rights.
The announcement by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin came amid protests and discontent of Mayotte’s residents [File: Gregoire Merot/AP]
According to Darmanin, “It will no longer be possible to become French if you are not the child of a French parent.” Currently, France grants citizenship through both parentage and birthplace. The proposal to restrict citizenship in Mayotte has amplified political tensions in the country, further adding to the controversy surrounding the adoption of the new immigration law.

However, the French interior minister reassured the public that this “radical measure” would be limited to the Mayotte archipelago. This assurance was likely given to ease concerns that this decision would become a precedent for broader changes in citizenship laws throughout France.

Mayotte, with its unique geographical location and its history as a French overseas territory, has become a focal point for the debate on immigration. The archipelago has faced significant challenges due to its proximity to the impoverished Comoro islands, with many residents attributing their deteriorating living conditions to increased immigration from this neighboring region.

Mayotte, one of the five overseas departments of France, is located in the Indian Ocean off the East African coast and consists of two islands. The surrounding archipelago, known as the Comoros Islands, sought independence from France and became its own entity. However, Mayotte, being a Muslim-majority territory, voted to remain a part of France in 1974 and eventually became a full-fledged French department in 2011.

France recently stirred up controversy with its announcement to amend the constitution, restricting citizenship to people born to immigrants in the overseas territory of Mayotte.This move is seen as an attempt to curb immigration to the Indian Ocean islands. While it has been welcomed by the far-right, it has faced opposition from socialists who argue that birthright citizenship is non-negotiable. Leftist leaders fear that this constitutional amendment will set a precedent for the far-right to emulate it in mainland France.

This announcement comes on the heels of France's highest court scrapping significant portions of a new immigration law aimed at tightening access to welfare benefits for foreigners and curbing immigration. Immigration has become a hotly debated issue in the country, and the latest controversy centers around Mayotte, an archipelago located between Madagascar and the African mainland.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin made the announcement about the change in citizenship rules for Mayotte on Sunday. He stated that children of immigrants born in Mayotte will no longer automatically become French citizens. This decision comes after weeks of protests in Mayotte, where the deterioration of living conditions has been attributed to immigration from the impoverished Comoro islands.

According to Darmanin, "It will no longer be possible to become French if you are not the child of a French parent." Currently, France grants citizenship through both parentage and birthplace. The proposal to restrict citizenship in Mayotte has amplified political tensions in the country, further adding to the controversy surrounding the adoption of the new immigration law.

However, the French interior minister reassured the public that this "radical measure" would be limited to the Mayotte archipelago. This assurance was likely given to ease concerns that this decision would become a precedent for broader changes in citizenship laws throughout France.

Mayotte, with its unique geographical location and its history as a French overseas territory, has become a focal point for the debate on immigration. The archipelago has faced significant challenges due to its proximity to the impoverished Comoro islands, with many residents attributing their deteriorating living conditions to increased immigration from this neighboring region.

Mayotte, one of the five overseas departments of France, is located in the Indian Ocean off the East African coast and consists of two islands. The surrounding archipelago, known as the Comoros Islands, sought independence from France and became its own entity. However, Mayotte, being a Muslim-majority territory, voted to remain a part of France in 1974 and eventually became a full-fledged French department in 2011.

French overseas territories are a total of 12 territories administered by France outside of Europe. These territories, which are remnants of the French colonial empire, exist under various statuses within the French state. They are collectively known as overseas France and are home to more than 2.6 million people. These territories are subject to France's constitution and their local administrations cannot devise their own laws and regulations.

Recently, France has made a decision to revoke birthplace citizenship in Mayotte as a means to curb immigration. The French interior minister, in agreement with President Emmanuel Macron, believes that this reform will address the issue of increased immigration and gang violence, which have contributed to declining living standards in the territory.

Many Mayotte residents have voiced their concerns about the strain on essential services such as health, housing, and education due to the influx of immigrants. These issues were brought to light during protests held in the capital city, Mamoudzou, where protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of basic amenities such as water shortage. The interior minister believes that this measure will discourage potential immigrants and reduce the attractiveness of the archipelago.

According to France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the island of Mayotte spans a total area of 375 square kilometers, or 145 square miles, and is said to be home to around 310,000 people. However, officials believe that this estimate severely underrepresents the actual population.

Desperate socio-economic conditions plague Mayotte, with more than 40 percent of the islanders struggling to survive on less $172 per month, according to INSEE. Adding to the challenges faced by the residents, residence permits issued to foreigners on the island are restricted to Mayotte and cannot be used to travel to mainland France. This system has been heavily criticized by protesters, who are demanding its elimination.

In response, the authorities, led by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, have included the abolition of this measure as part of their planned reform in the hopes of appeasing the protesters. While some individuals among the protest movement have welcomed this decision, the overall situation in Mayotte remains complex and underserved.

The controversy surrounding the French citizenship row in Mayotte raises broader questions about national identity, citizenship, and immigration policy. It highlights the delicate balance that governments must strike between protecting their citizens' interests while also upholding principles of inclusivity and human rights.
Demonstrators in Mayotte head towards the judicial court to protest against insecurity and immigration last week.

French overseas territories are a total of 12 territories administered by France outside of Europe. These territories, which are remnants of the French colonial empire, exist under various statuses within the French state. They are collectively known as overseas France and are home to more than 2.6 million people. These territories are subject to France’s constitution and their local administrations cannot devise their own laws and regulations.

Recently, France has made a decision to revoke birthplace citizenship in Mayotte as a means to curb immigration. The French interior minister, in agreement with President Emmanuel Macron, believes that this reform will address the issue of increased immigration and gang violence, which have contributed to declining living standards in the territory.

Many Mayotte residents have voiced their concerns about the strain on essential services such as health, housing, and education due to the influx of immigrants. These issues were brought to light during protests held in the capital city, Mamoudzou, where protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of basic amenities such as water shortage. The interior minister believes that this measure will discourage potential immigrants and reduce the attractiveness of the archipelago.

France recently stirred up controversy with its announcement to amend the constitution, restricting citizenship to people born to immigrants in the overseas territory of Mayotte.This move is seen as an attempt to curb immigration to the Indian Ocean islands. While it has been welcomed by the far-right, it has faced opposition from socialists who argue that birthright citizenship is non-negotiable. Leftist leaders fear that this constitutional amendment will set a precedent for the far-right to emulate it in mainland France.

This announcement comes on the heels of France's highest court scrapping significant portions of a new immigration law aimed at tightening access to welfare benefits for foreigners and curbing immigration. Immigration has become a hotly debated issue in the country, and the latest controversy centers around Mayotte, an archipelago located between Madagascar and the African mainland.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin made the announcement about the change in citizenship rules for Mayotte on Sunday. He stated that children of immigrants born in Mayotte will no longer automatically become French citizens. This decision comes after weeks of protests in Mayotte, where the deterioration of living conditions has been attributed to immigration from the impoverished Comoro islands.

According to Darmanin, "It will no longer be possible to become French if you are not the child of a French parent." Currently, France grants citizenship through both parentage and birthplace. The proposal to restrict citizenship in Mayotte has amplified political tensions in the country, further adding to the controversy surrounding the adoption of the new immigration law.

However, the French interior minister reassured the public that this "radical measure" would be limited to the Mayotte archipelago. This assurance was likely given to ease concerns that this decision would become a precedent for broader changes in citizenship laws throughout France.

Mayotte, with its unique geographical location and its history as a French overseas territory, has become a focal point for the debate on immigration. The archipelago has faced significant challenges due to its proximity to the impoverished Comoro islands, with many residents attributing their deteriorating living conditions to increased immigration from this neighboring region.

Mayotte, one of the five overseas departments of France, is located in the Indian Ocean off the East African coast and consists of two islands. The surrounding archipelago, known as the Comoros Islands, sought independence from France and became its own entity. However, Mayotte, being a Muslim-majority territory, voted to remain a part of France in 1974 and eventually became a full-fledged French department in 2011.

French overseas territories are a total of 12 territories administered by France outside of Europe. These territories, which are remnants of the French colonial empire, exist under various statuses within the French state. They are collectively known as overseas France and are home to more than 2.6 million people. These territories are subject to France's constitution and their local administrations cannot devise their own laws and regulations.

Recently, France has made a decision to revoke birthplace citizenship in Mayotte as a means to curb immigration. The French interior minister, in agreement with President Emmanuel Macron, believes that this reform will address the issue of increased immigration and gang violence, which have contributed to declining living standards in the territory.

Many Mayotte residents have voiced their concerns about the strain on essential services such as health, housing, and education due to the influx of immigrants. These issues were brought to light during protests held in the capital city, Mamoudzou, where protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of basic amenities such as water shortage. The interior minister believes that this measure will discourage potential immigrants and reduce the attractiveness of the archipelago.

According to France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the island of Mayotte spans a total area of 375 square kilometers, or 145 square miles, and is said to be home to around 310,000 people. However, officials believe that this estimate severely underrepresents the actual population.

Desperate socio-economic conditions plague Mayotte, with more than 40 percent of the islanders struggling to survive on less $172 per month, according to INSEE. Adding to the challenges faced by the residents, residence permits issued to foreigners on the island are restricted to Mayotte and cannot be used to travel to mainland France. This system has been heavily criticized by protesters, who are demanding its elimination.

In response, the authorities, led by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, have included the abolition of this measure as part of their planned reform in the hopes of appeasing the protesters. While some individuals among the protest movement have welcomed this decision, the overall situation in Mayotte remains complex and underserved.

The controversy surrounding the French citizenship row in Mayotte raises broader questions about national identity, citizenship, and immigration policy. It highlights the delicate balance that governments must strike between protecting their citizens' interests while also upholding principles of inclusivity and human rights.
Residents on Mayotte have been setting up roadblocks to protest against living conditions and insecurity

According to France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the island of Mayotte spans a total area of 375 square kilometers, or 145 square miles, and is said to be home to around 310,000 people. However, officials believe that this estimate severely underrepresents the actual population.

Desperate socio-economic conditions plague Mayotte, with more than 40 percent of the islanders struggling to survive on less $172 per month, according to INSEE. Adding to the challenges faced by the residents, residence permits issued to foreigners on the island are restricted to Mayotte and cannot be used to travel to mainland France. This system has been heavily criticized by protesters, who are demanding its elimination.

In response, the authorities, led by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, have included the abolition of this measure as part of their planned reform in the hopes of appeasing the protesters. While some individuals among the protest movement have welcomed this decision, the overall situation in Mayotte remains complex and underserved.

The controversy surrounding the French citizenship row in Mayotte raises broader questions about national identity, citizenship, and immigration policy. It highlights the delicate balance that governments must strike between protecting their citizens’ interests while also upholding principles of inclusivity and human rights.


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