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Notes of Synthesis
On
Immigration to France from an Economic Perspective
By Tiger Nicholaas de Young
Submitted on December 10, 2014
“Dedicated to my great-grandmother, Adriana Nicolaas, née Uiterlinden (1885-1968), who followed her
heart and immigrated to the New World in 1913, leaving behind everything she knew.”

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Index
1 Globalization and Personal Motivation p.3
2 History of Immigration to France p.4
2.1 Immigration to Pre-Roman Gaul p.4
2.2 Immigration to Gaul under Roman Administration p.4
2.3 Post-Roman Immigration to the Gallic Territories p.5
2.4 Immigration to Gaul under the Frankish Empire p.5
2.5 Immigration to the Kingdom of France (843-1792) p.7
2.5.1 Immigration during the French Colonial Empire (1534-1792) p.7
2.5.2 Immigration to France from 1792 to 1945 p.7
2.5.2.1 La première Vague (The First Wave), 1850s-1914 p.7
2.5.2.2 La deuxième Vague (The Second Wave), 1918-1939 p.8
2.5.2.3 La troisième Vague (The Third Wave), 1945-present p.9
3 Immigrants’ Economic Contributions p.9
4 Current Statistical Date on Immigrants in France p.10
5 Summary p.11

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1. Globalization and Personal Motivation
Globalization is often considered to have begun with Christopher Columbus’ journey and
subsequent rediscovery of the Americas in 14921
. In the more than five hundred years that have
followed, the world has seen unprecedented strides in the areas of technology, culture, and
general science, in addition to new socio-economic strains, previously unknown to most
civilizations. Today, globalization influences every area of our lives and is a key factor in
determining what lies ahead for the modern world.
Although the migration of peoples has occurred since the beginning of known history, today’s
globalized world has seen mass migration in nearly every country. Columbus’ rediscovery of the
Americas led to mass European colonization of territories outside of Europe, which in turn
attracted settlers from around the world. Today, many countries face the problems and
opportunities of mass immigration or emigration2
.
Being, myself, an immigrant to Germany, immigration in today’s world and the controversy
surrounding the topic interest me greatly – both on an academic as well as on a personal level. I
was born in the United States – a country founded on immigration – to a mixed family: my
father’s family had immigrated from Luxembourg and Scandinavia; my mother’s from Ireland
and the Netherlands (in addition to many other European and non-European origins).
Not only am I a clear genetic result of centuries of globalization, my parents and grandparents
spent considerable time living outside of the US, bringing back many traditions from abroad that
are still celebrated in our family today. Immigration and emigration have left a strong impression
on my life and affect almost everyone in the world. No one can seriously conduct business in
1
R., C. "When did globalisation start?" The Economist. 23 September 2013. Web. 09 December 2014.
2
For example: Many European countries (such as Switzerland or Great Britain) struggle with immigration, while
other countries, such as Israel, view continued emigration as a threat to their long-term survival.

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today’s globalized economy without taking migration into consideration – be it in France or
Argentina.
The modern French Republic faces challenges and immense opportunities associated with its
long history of immigration and emigration. This paper will summarize the effects immigration
to France has had throughout its history from an economic perspective, focusing on the last
century.
2. History of Immigration to France
2.1 Immigration to Pre-Roman Gaul
The first written mention of the area that would become modern Metropolitan France (France
métropolitaine) originates from Romans before their conquest of the area then known as Gaul
(Gallia in Latin or Gaulle in French), beginning in 58 BC3
. However, before the Roman
conquest of the Gallic peoples, many Greek and Phoenician traders had settled primarily in the
south, creating a strong trade-based economy there4
. This is most likely the first instance of
significant immigration to the territory of modern Metropolitan France.
Despite their significant economic contribution to the Gallic territory, it is worth mentioning that
their plea for help against warring Gallic clans in 128 BC caused Rome to invade and “liberate”
many Greek and Phoenician settlements, including modern-day Marseille. This, however, was
likely to have been inevitable due to Rome’s expansionist ambitions throughout its history. By
51 BC, Gaul had been conquered and fully integrated as several Roman provinces in the Roman
Empire.
2.2 Immigration to Gaul under Roman Administration
Not long after being incorporated into the Roman Empire, the Gauls experienced a high degree
of Romanization which developed into the Gallo-Roman culture. They soon adopted Latin as
3
Bisdent. "Gaul" Ancient History Encyclopedia. 28 April 2011. Web. 09 December 2014.
4
Bisdent. "Gaul" Ancient History Encyclopedia. 28 April 2011. Web. 09 December 2014.

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their daily language and rejected many of their Celtic traditions. As with most Roman provinces,
the Gauls eventually became Roman citizens with their unique Gallo-Roman subculture5
.
Being an integrated and integral part of the Roman Empire, Gallia (as it was known in Latin),
was subject to internal migration from other parts of the Empire. This led to many ethnic
Romans, as well as other cultures resettling throughout the Gallic territory. The arrival of other
Romans proved beneficial to Gallic integration into the Empire – both cultural and economically.
2.3 Post-Roman Immigration to the Gallic Territories
After nearly five hundred years of Roman rule, the Gallic territories were left unprotected in 455
AD when Rome withdrew its troops to protect the Italian peninsula. Shortly thereafter, the
declining use of the Celtic language there led it be declared extinct and by 500 AD, Gaul had
ceased to exist as a Roman province, having been invaded by the Visigoths, Franks, and other
foreigners, each setting up their own kingdoms.6
The Franks, a united band of Germanic tribes from present-day Germany, would ultimately
conquer and spread out over much of modern Metropolitan France. By then, the population had
seen mass influxes of foreign peoples, particular from the Vandals, Visigoths, and the Franks.
Their original Celtic (Gallic) culture had been almost entirely assimilated, save for an enclave in
Brittany.
While it is arguable what positive effects the Germanic invasion of Gaul and subsequent
migration brought, it did release the territory from the disintegrating Roman Empire and open up
previously closed trade routes to other Germanic and post-Roman territories. In addition, the
cultural value brought by the Franks would prove to be the basis for the later evolution of
modern France.
2.4 Immigration to Gaul under the Frankish Empire
5
De Clercq, Wim. “Projects Gallo-Roman Archaeology” Universiteit Gent. 30 September 2013. Web. 09 December
2014
6
Smitha, Frank E. “Vandals and Huns – the Empire from 410 to 450 CE” Macrohistory and World Timeline. 03
November 2014. Web. 10 December 2014.

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Under great leaders such as Clovis and Charlemagne, the territory controlled by the Frankish
people expanded greatly to include much of modern-day Germany and France. The Germanic
conquerors had brought with them their own cultural identity that was then imposed upon the
Gallo-Roman people, suppressing much of their previous identity that had developed under
Roman rule. Despite the assimilation into Frankish territory, the people of Gaul retained their
Latin-based language that would eventually develop into modern French and the so-called
langues d’oïl. This was the beginning of modern French history.
Although the Frankish leaders had managed to consolidate a relatively large territory under their
rule, the economy stagnated and technological advances halted in what would become known as
the Dark Ages7
. The famous Roman infrastructure began to break down in many places and
transportation and communication took considerably longer. This led to a decreased movement
of people within the previously Gallic territory and a decrease in trade and exchange of
information.
2.5 Immigration to the Kingdom of France (843-1792)
As the Carolingian Empire emerged from the partitions of the previous Frankish Empire, it
established itself as a new empire known as “Francia.” For nearly a thousand years, it would rule
until the First French Revolution in 1789 and experienced much migration – both voluntarily and
otherwise.
In the early 10th
century, Viking invaders were settled in what would become known as
Normandy. Though the Vikings were notoriously known for wreaking havoc wherever they
traveled, by the time they had settled Normandy, they had been given fief status and had vowed
their allegiance to the king of France. They intermarried with the local population and adopted
their language.
In 1066, the Normans had expanded their rule, having captured the Kingdom of England8
. Being
renowned seafarers and brutal warriors, their settlement in Normandy had brought a certain
economic prosperity to the region which was amplified by the capture of England. Not only were
7
Higgonet, Patrice. “France.” Encyclopædia Britannica. 25 August 2014. Web. 10 December 2014
8
Osprey Publishing. “History of the Norman Invasion.” Essential Norman Conquest. 2006. Web. 10 December 2014

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the Vikings (later known as the Normans) beneficial directly in this case, but their settlement in
Normandy prevented further attacks on Francia by the Vikings.
2.5.1 Immigration during the French Colonial Empire (1534-1792)
By the early 1600s, France had begun establishing its colonial empire in the New World.
Throughout the coming years, this would prove to have the most profound effect on immigration
to France in French history.
Beginning in North America, France founded many settlements in Arcadia and along the
Mississippi River. In contrast to other contemporary colonial powers, the French focused little on
settling the new areas, but rather on developing commercial trade. With the exception of present-
day Québec, few French colonies enjoyed any sort of large influx of French colonists.
A similar policy was followed in other colonies, particularly in Africa. By the time the First
French Republic was established in 17929
, large swaths of North America, Africa, and many
islands were under French control. Despite this, France was primarily occupied with internal
conflict and spreading its influence within Europe.
2.5.2 Immigration to France from 1792 to 1945
With Napoléon I in power, the Code civil was enacted, defining citizens’ rights and privileges.
Despite most of the French population enjoying the new status of citizen, France continued to
rule its colonies’ inhabitants as subjects, though it later opened up paths for colonial subjects to
gain full citizenship (this usually meant full assimilation into French culture and was utilized by
only a few).
Nevertheless, in 1851, only about one percent of the French population was made up of
foreigners. This changed at the beginning of the French Industrial Revolution, when the need for
manpower attracted foreigners from abroad. Until then, immigration had been inconsistent and
mostly from neighboring countries.
2.5.2.1 La première Vague (The First Wave), 1850s-1914
9
Pelvey, Laurent. “The republic explained to my friends.” France républicaine. May 2000. Web. 10 December 2014

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Fueled by the need for manpower during the Industrial Revolution, France began to see the first
major wave of immigration, coming mostly from neighboring Belgium and the Piedmont
(Piémont in French) region in Italy. The majority was these immigrants settled in or near Paris,
particularly to the East of the city, often facing open discrimination at the hands of their French
contemporaries.
By 1911, there were nearly 200,000 foreigners residing in Paris (about seven percent of its
population) and nearly every European country was represented.
Despite wide-spread discrimination, the immigrants quickly assumed the French identity and
culture and were often completely assimilated within a generation. Not only did these
immigrants bring with them the manpower needed to power the newly industrialized French
economy, but also the population growth needed to sustain such a large empire.
2.5.2.2 La deuxième Vague (The Second Wave), 1918-1939
The Second Wave of immigration to France took place between World War I and II. Once again,
France was in desperate need of manpower to rebuild the country after the devastation of World
War I. Many of these immigrants came again from neighboring countries, in particular Italy.
However, the Second Wave saw the participation of immigrants from French colonies as well,
introducing a new demographic to France.
Between both World Wars, France saw massive immigration that made it become the number
one destination for immigrants. Many factors influenced the large influx of foreigners, including
the United States’ decision to close its borders from 1921-1924 during the Great Depression. The
French government actively encouraged immigration in an attempt to rebuild the country and its
defenses as quickly as possible.
Not only did France attract many laborers, but also many refugees. The country became a safe-
haven for political refugees fleeing fascist Spain, Bolshevik Russia, Nazi Germany, and fascist
Italy. France also attracted many Armenians fleeing the genocide in Turkey and the Caucasus.
This led to a distinct mix of immigrants from around the world with many trades and ideologies
represented.

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Immigrants brought the manpower needed to rebuild the Republic, as well as new ideas and
cultural heritage. By 1926, nine percent of the Parisian population consisted of foreigners and
xenophobia and anti-Semitism had begun taking root in the native French population. According
to the census of 1931, the three top groups of foreigners in France were: Italian (808,000), Polish
(508,000), and Spanish (351,900). It should also be noted that immigrants from French colonies
were treated as French subjects and not counted as foreigners.
2.5.2.3 La troisième Vague (The Third Wave), 1945-present
The Third Wave of immigration to France continues to the present and is characterized by
families immigrating to be rejoined. Nevertheless, this wave of immigration was also spurred on
by the need to rebuilt war-torn France after World War II. However, the French government
began to give immigrants more rights and focused on their integration into French society. As a
consequence, France saw many immigrants coming simply to join their families that had
previously arrived and settled in France.
Shortly after World War II, France experienced an economic boom which can be directly linked
to the French population’s efforts to rebuild the country. Without the immigrants that had arrived
before and after World War II, the economic recovery would not have been possible in such a
short time. Clearly, the effects of immigration in the aftermath of World War II can be seen as
having had a positive effect on the French economy and the country as a whole.
3. Immigrants’ Economic Contributions
Despite France’s new stance towards immigration, some immigrants have attempted to migrate
to France by forgoing the legal system and residing there illegally. Their economic contribution
or lack thereof, is disputed. On the one hand, they often work for wages below the legal
minimum and occupy jobs otherwise undesirable for most French residents, however, by doing
so, they also forego paying taxes or social security contributions, ultimately having a negative
effect on the French fiscal system.
The majority of immigrants in France, however, arrive legally, either as refugees, students or
simply for economic purposes. Refugees, generally, do not contribute directly to the economy
until they have been granted full refugee status. Until then, they are financially supported by the

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French government. However, refugees are accepted to France on a humanitarian basis and as
such, should be left out of any economic analysis of immigrants.
Students, while allowed to work during their studies, typically contribute little to the French
economic system, as most do not work. Additionally, it should be noted that anyone with a long-
term residence visa (titre de long séjour) in France is entitled to certain social security benefits,
such as housing assistance (aide personalisée de logement). This puts an added strain on the
social security system, which in turn strains working French residents who pay into the system,
and can often negate the economic benefits of students living in France.
Most immigrants that come to France for work must first acquire the relevant work permit and
visa abroad10
. These documents are often only acquired after a job has been secured and certain
requirements have been met. Such immigrants actively support the economy by paying taxes,
supporting local businesses, and paying directly into the social security system.
Despite the obvious benefits economic immigrants often bring, many French residents complain
of work shortages associated with the employment of immigrants. It should be noted, however,
that work permits are generally only issued if the job cannot or cannot easily be done by a French
citizen11
. The responsibility of determining whether a certain position can be filled by foreigner,
therefore, falls to the government of France.
4. Current Statistical Data on Immigrants in France
According to the French constitution, all French citizens are equal. As such, the French
government does not collect any data whatsoever on the ethnic origin of its citizens. This makes
it very difficult to determine the number of French residents with immigration background
(including those born in France).
In accordance with that mentality, the topic of positive discrimination (discrimination positive)
has largely been avoided. Instead, state programs have focused on integrating immigrants more
fully in French life, often making this, to differing degrees, a requirement for naturalization.
10
The exception hereto being citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, and their family members.
11
The exception hereto being citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, and their family members.

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Strictly analyzing the unemployment rate among immigrants (and not among French citizens
with immigration backgrounds), it becomes clear that unemployment is much higher among
foreign citizens: non-immigrants 7%, immigrants (averaged) 15%12
in 2010.
In 2008, roughly 5.8% (3,737,500) of France’s population consisted of foreign citizens and many
more have a history of immigration13
. This is far less than other countries such as Luxembourg
or Switzerland and offers a manageable number.
5. Summary
All-in-all, I conclude that immigration to France, at present, poses less of a threat and more of an
opportunity for growth. By restricting foreigners’ access to the social security system without
first having contributed, the French government could limit the number of immigrants living off
of social security benefits and discourage such immigrants from coming in the future. However,
this is likely to be difficult from a legal perspective, as most immigrants in possession of long-
term residence permit (titre de long séjour) are entitled to such benefits under French law.
Nevertheless, France could take better advantage of the open European employment market by
actively encouraging immigration from other countries within the European Union and limiting
immigration from other countries to highly-skilled workers. In order to fully benefit from
immigration, France must begin to see immigration not as a social phenomenon, but as an
economic one that can be regulated to best benefit the French economy and Republic.
12
Insee, “Fiches thématiques : Situation sur le marché du travail,” Immigrés et descendants d'immigrés en France -
Insee Références - Édition 2012. October 2012. Web. 10 December 2014.
13
Eurostat, 2008