France Moves to Ban Undocumented Migrants from Getting Married: Senate Approves Controversial Bill

Paris, 2025 – The French Senate has approved a controversial bill that seeks to prohibit undocumented migrants from getting married until their immigration status is resolved. The measure is part of France’s broader crackdown on illegal migration, but legal experts warn that the proposed law could be ruled unconstitutional and may violate the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Tightening Controls and Combating Sham Marriages

French authorities argue that the bill primarily aims to curb fraudulent marriages, which are often used by undocumented migrants as a pathway to legal residency. According to French national broadcaster TF1, an estimated 400 sham marriages were recorded between 2020 and 2022, down from 550 cases in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the issue remains widespread. France registers around 247,000 marriages annually, and approximately one in 620 is suspected to be fraudulent. Local reports suggest that French citizens involved in sham marriages can receive up to €10,000 as compensation.

Legal Challenges: Will the Bill Survive?

Despite winning 227 votes in favor and 110 against in the Senate, the bill faces major legal hurdles. The French Constitutional Council has previously ruled that immigration status alone cannot be a legal barrier to marriage.

Furthermore, Article 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights guarantees that men and women have the right to marry if allowed under national law. Any attempt to override these protections could face legal challenges in French and European courts.

Critics also highlight previous incidents where local officials unlawfully blocked marriages. In 2023, the mayor of Béziers refused to officiate a wedding between a French woman and an undocumented Algerian migrant, citing the groom’s immigration status. However, legal experts stress that mayors have no legal authority to intervene in marriages, as France is a secular state, and all marriages must be conducted in town halls.

Political Prospects

The bill now moves to the National Assembly, where significant amendments are expected. While it has backing from right-wing parties, analysts believe it is unlikely to pass in its current form.

President Emmanuel Macron’s government has already faced strong criticism over its immigration policies. Last year, attempts to tighten migration laws led to protests from human rights organizations and opposition parties.

If enacted, the bill would represent one of the most restrictive immigration measures in Europe. However, its legal standing remains highly uncertain, and its fate may ultimately be decided in court.