Overview

This book is an enquiry into the making of a ‘country of immigration’ and how a demographic statistic can become such a controversial issue that occupies the top of the political agenda. Angéline Escafré-Dublet starts from the overlooked fact that even though France became a country of immigration as early as the mid-19th century, because of its lagging population growth, it was only in the late-20th century that French people started to think of themselves as living in a country of immigration. The book is about this change in identity and the ways in which the politics of migration - a much broader and globally connected process - came to redefine France in the second half of the 20th century. A Political History of Immigration in France is chronologically arranged in order to show the various stages the politics of immigration has been through: from a mere economic issue to a defining feature of contemporary politics. It draws on original research in the archives of the French administration, data on the implementation of public policies since the 2000s and oral interviews about the lived experience of immigrants. In so doing, Escafré-Dublet portrays a variety of historical actors, including politicians, administrative officials, social workers, activists, artists and citizens, who contributed to shaping the understanding of immigration issues today.

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9781350407718

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Reviews

This is an important and timely book that reminds us of the long history of migration in France and the different political narratives that have surrounded it. At a time when extremist political forces at both sides of the Atlantic call for an 'end' to migration, this book reminds us how much the story and history of France (and Europe) is intertwined with human mobility. This is a highly recommended reading for researchers, students and interested citizens. * Anna Triandafyllidou, Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration; Scientific Director of the Research Program Bridging Divides at Toronto Metropolitan University; Founding Director, Global Migration Institute. * France is a country of immigrants – even though it often pretends not to be. In this smart and comprehensive analysis, Escafre-Dublet details the interweaving of France’s history of immigration with its politics of immigration. In doing so, she provides a much-needed detailing of the ongoing legacies of France’s colonial rule for understanding contemporary citizenship and racial formation amid French Republicanism. A must read! * Jean Beaman, Author, Citizen Outsider: Children of North African Immigrants in France * Angéline Escafré-Dublet offers us a striking overview of France's relationship with colonization and immigration… This book relentlessly probes the mind of a nation that is both complex and perplexed, more and more tempted by the simple solutions of the far right. * François Héran, College of France, France *

Author Information

Angéline Escafré-Dublet is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Lyon, France. Her research interests include issues of immigration and the way they relate to politics and culture in 20th-century France. She is the author of Immigration et politiques culturelles [Immigration and Cultural Policies] (2014).

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