Contrary to press reports, the Sans-Papiers (undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers in France) have rejected the government's recent offer. On 10th June, the newly elected Parti Socialist (PS) announced they would grant leave to stay on a "case-by-case" basis and introduce a new immigration law in September. On 14th June, the National Co-ordination of Sans-Papiers met to discuss the offer. Delegates representing 21 collectives all over France passed a resolution demanding a widening of the regularisation criteria so that no one is excluded, renewable 10-year (not temporary) permits, Sans-Papiers participation in a Commission monitoring the regularisation process, a moratorium on deportations and release of those in jail. This was endorsed by a mass meeting of 1,300 Sans-Papiers that same day.
Although the government is responding to the movement, its proposal falls short of the Sans-Papiers' demand of "papers for all". Only 10,000-40,000 of the 250,000 Sans-Papiers may benefit from the Socialists' proposal. As Madjiguene Cisse, main spokeswoman of the National Co-ordination and of the St. Bernard Collective which has led the movement, warns: "When the Sans-Papiers turn up at police stations to get their papers, they may end up in handcuffs."
This is not the first time the Sans-Papiers have stood by their demands. In June last year, they rejected another case-by-case proposal with the famous occupation of the St. Bernard Church. The women Sans-Papieres led the occupation of over 300 Africans which lasted two months and mobilised huge popular support. The Sans-Papiers' determination to win may rest once again on women giving the movement the direction it needs.
The Sans-Papiers have called a national demonstration on 5th July. We are calling for support demonstrations here.
Momar Diop, a National Co-ordination delegate who has lived in France for 22 years, after being assaulted by police was sentenced to four months in prison and a 10-year ban from France on release. His appeal is on 7th July. Support his release and regularisation by faxing the Prefecture de Police de Bobigny - (33) 1 48 30 22 88; Prefecture de Police de Paris - (33) 1 40 51 75 82; Ministere de l'Interieur - (33) 1 43 59 89 50. Copy to National Co-ordination: (33) 1 46 07 16 19.