The Senate approves controversial measures to address illegal immigration.

The most sensitive component of the bill for Mayotte’s “refoundation,” five months after the **devastating** passage of **Cyclone Chido**, was approved on Tuesday, May 20, by the Senate. Senators voted on several **government measures** aimed at combating **irregular immigration** in the **101st** French department, the poorest of them.

“The **fight against illegal immigration** must be a priority. It is a reality of the territory, and you will not find any **Mahorais** to challenge it,” the Minister of Overseas, **Manuel Valls**, stated before the Senators.

For years, the **ultramarine territory** has faced the massive influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from neighboring **Comoros**. An **INSEE** survey conducted in 2016 estimated that “Almost half of the inhabitants” of Mayotte were **foreigners**, with half of them in an **irregular situation**.

The government has integrated numerous measures, often derogatory and specific to Mayotte, in the bill-program for “Refoundation”. All were adopted by the senators, dominated by a **centrist right** alliance, despite the hostility from the entire left wing.

On the conditions of access to residence, the senators agreed to impose on foreigners the prior detention of a “long stay visa” to obtain certain **temporary residence permits**, or to extend the period of regular residence required to obtain a **resident card** as a “Parent of French child.” The centralization of paternity recognition in **Mamoudzou** and the increase in penalties for **fraudulent recognition of paternity** were also approved, aiming to “Reduce Mayotte’s attractiveness.”

Parents Penalized by the Behavior of Their Children

Among the most contested measures was the creation of “specially suitable places” for the detention of families with minors and, particularly, the unprecedented possibility of withdrawing residence permits from parents of children considered to be **threatening public order**, even when the parents’ **failure** compromises the “morality” or “education” of their child.

This reform, despite being tightly framed, triggered a backlash from the left. Critics labeled it “unprecedented” for penalizing parents due to their children’s behavior. “We are gradually introducing provisions that violate fundamental principles through the Mayotte breach,” warned ecologist **Mélanie Vogel**. In contrast, the CORAPPORTEURE **Agnès Canayer** (Les Républicains) countered, emphasizing the “exceptional situation” of the island.

On the initiative of the right, senators also tightened the conditions regarding family reunification by prohibiting it when the foreigner occupies “without right or title” or when their accommodation is classified as informal housing.

The “Territorialized Visas” Maintained

Discussions revolved around a primary demand from archipelago elected officials: the termination of **”territorialized visas,”** the specific residence permits that prevent holders from traveling to mainland France or neighboring islands. Proponents argued this measure would help “unclog” hospitals and schools, but the Senate opted not to adopt it, in agreement with the government, given the potential risk of exacerbating migratory **”air calls.”**

Another article facilitating expropriations aimed at accelerating reconstruction faced criticism from local elected officials and Mayotte senators but was still adopted.

This bill, encompassing various measures related to the social, economic, land, and institutional matters, is slated for a comprehensive vote in the Senate on Tuesday, May 27. Following this, it must pass through the National Assembly and gain approval from the deputies.