Until recently Americans visiting prefectures and such places could only look with some sympathy at immigrants from many other parts of the world who were subjected to the full force of the French bureaucratic machine. They weren’t as lucky as intending residents from the EU but were certainly in a happier situation than Mohamed or Dembo. 

I note here that for Americans arriving now things aren’t the same. Under the new immigration rules coming into force they will have to sign a contrat d’accueil et d’intégration under which they agree to obey the law and learn French. This was optional before but is now obligatory. The document insists that “choosing to live in France means wanting to integrate into French society and to accept and respect the fundamental values of the Republic”. I say straightaway that this seems to me a wholly reasonable demand. I do wonder, though, how variable will be the manner in which these rules will be applied to US citizens. My own objection to French bureaucrats has always been their unpredictability. And a P.S.: in future American spouses of French citizens arriving here will have to wait three years instead of two before getting a 10-year residence permit.

From Reporter 115 - June/July 2006

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