PARIS (AFP) – The French National Assembly early Thursday passed a watered-down version of a controversial measure opening the way to DNA testing of would-be immigrants wanting to join their families. The lower house of parliament also adopted the principal measure in a government bill tightening the rules for immigrants: an evaluation in the candidates’ home countries of their knowledge of the French language and the “values of the Republic.” Drawn up by Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux, the bill imposes new conditions for relatives wishing to join families in France, including knowledge of the French language and proof of financial resources.
