Paris Immigration Museum Opens Amid Controversy

Lisa Bryant reports for Voice of America:

Located in eastern Paris, the National Complex of the History of Immigration aims to retrace France’s history of immigration during the past two centuries – and the role immigrants have played in the nation’s construction.

Though many years in the planning, the museum’s opening occurs while legislation making its way through parliament to toughen French immigration laws has generated fierce criticism.

Even members of the center-right government have voiced concerns over one clause in the bill – on voluntary DNA testing of applicants wishing to join their families in France.

Earlier this year, eight researchers resigned from the immigration museum to protest the new name of a French ministry – the Ministry of Immigration and National Identity. They said the name reflects wariness toward immigrants, rather than acceptance. But the researchers said they supported the intent of the immigration museum.
Some people also criticized French President Nicolas Sarkozy for not being present at the opening. However, Mr. Sarkozy is on an official visit to Moscow. The country’s immigration minister also did not attend. An official inauguration of the museum is to take place at a later date. Click here for the rest of the story.

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