Call for Justice: Tunisian Illegal, Ordered Deported, Arrested for Rape of Ukrainian Teen in France

by – L. Richardson

A shocking case of a deportation-defying Tunisian assaulting a Ukrainian minor has reignited demands for strengthening legal measures against migrant offenders and the urgent need for effective deportation policies. 1 The rampant sexual offenses by illegals in France, particularly the abduction and rape of a 15-year-old girl by a Tunisian invader with prior convictions, underscore the grave public safety risks from unchecked illegal migration and deportation failures. 1

This appalling criminal act by an illegal Tunisian migrant in the Paris region has ignited outrage, fueling calls for stringent action against foreign criminal threats and the flawed practices that enable such heinous crimes.

Historical Context of Immigration in France

France has a long history of immigration, with substantial flows of immigrant populations since around 1830 and steadily increasing from 1850. 2 Until the early 20th century, France had a reputation for being the European country most open to immigrants, including political refugees, though this changed in the late 20th century when opposition to continued immigration from Africa rose. 2

Immigration Trends Over the Decades

Between 1850 and 1914, around 4.3 million foreigners entered France. Between the two World Wars, nearly 3 million immigrants arrived, comprising 6% of the population. 3 Until World War I, immigration was largely spontaneous, with most immigrants from neighboring countries like Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland quickly assimilating into the national population. 3

After World War I, the government actively recruited foreign manpower, with Italians (35%), Poles (20%), Spanish (15%), Belgians (10%), and smaller numbers from Central and Eastern Europe. 4 In the post-World War II economic expansion, when labor was scarce, immigration surged again, contributing around 40% to France’s population growth in the first two decades. 5

While immigration flattened after 1974, the foreign-born population remained stable at around 6% due to natural increase. 6 Recent immigrant streams came from North Africa, especially Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, as well as French territories in Central Africa, Asia, and the Americas. 6

Previous Policies and Their Impact

As immigrant numbers grew, incidents of racial discrimination in housing and employment increased, along with social activism among immigrant groups. 7 Initially, immigrants from Africa and the Americas were predominantly male, living in substandard housing and working in undesirable, low-skilled jobs. 7

The economic downturn in 1974 led the government to restrict immigration as French workers reclaimed jobs previously held by immigrants. 7 The repatriation of around one million French citizens, the “pieds-noirs,” from decolonized North African territories in 1962-64 added to job competition. 7 Restrictive immigration policies remain in force, with the net annual increase from legal immigration averaging little more than 50,000 people in the early 21st century. 7

Current Border Control and Deportation Practices

Existing Laws and Regulations

France has implemented various laws and regulations to address illegal immigration and facilitate deportation processes. The recent immigration law enacted in 2018 reinstates the “offense of illegal residence,” punishable by a fine. 8 It also bans the detention of foreign minors in administrative detention centers where those ordered for deportation are held [17]. 8

The law toughens conditions for family reunification, requiring applicants to have resided in France for 24 months (previously 18 months), demonstrate stable and sufficient resources, have health insurance, and have a spouse aged at least 21 (previously 18) [17]. 8 Foreign students must also pay a deposit when applying for a student residence permit to cover potential “removal costs [17].” 8

French law punishes the facilitation of illegal entry, transit, and residence of immigrants with fines and imprisonment, either separately or in combination. 9 The purpose of obtaining financial or other material benefit is considered aggravating, as per Art. 622-1 of the Code of Entry, Stay of Aliens, and Right of Asylum. 9

Challenges and Loopholes

Despite existing regulations, France faces challenges in effectively implementing deportation practices. Art. L 622-4 of the Code of Entry and Stay of Aliens and Right of Asylum provides exceptions for assistance to illegal immigrants in certain situations, such as when supplied by family members, spouses, or legal entities offering legal advice, food, housing, or medical care. 9

Art. L 623-1 governs penalties related to marriages of convenience and child recognition, with sanctions ranging from 5 years imprisonment and €15,000 fine to 10 years imprisonment and €750,000 fine if committed in the context of an organized criminal group. 9

The supply of fraudulently obtained official administrative documents conferring rights or identity is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a €75,000 fine under Art. 441-5 of the penal code. 9 However, loopholes and challenges in enforcement persist, allowing some illegal immigrants to evade deportation orders.

The Urgent Need for Stronger Borders

The rampant influx of illegal migrants and the failure to effectively deport those ordered to leave have created grave national security risks and economic burdens for France. 10 The lack of robust border controls, especially along maritime routes from Italy, has enabled unchecked entry of third-country nationals, many arriving from conflict zones in the Middle East, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Syria. 10 This uncontrolled migration has stoked fears of potential terror threats and criminal activities stemming from these regions. 11

National Security Concerns

France faces heightened risks from international terrorism, with terrorist safe havens acting as breeding grounds for disseminating violent ideologies and planning attacks against local populations and foreign nations. 12 The 2008 White Paper highlights the critical need to modify defense strategies, strengthen border protection measures, and enhance coordination between ministries to combat non-conventional threats like terror attacks. 11

Efforts are underway to reduce terrorist groups’ regional influence, combat their financial, human, logistical, and propaganda networks, and prevent radicalization. 12 France actively participates in military operations, stabilization efforts in liberated areas, and international cooperation to disrupt terrorist financing and foreign fighter movements. 12 However, porous borders undermine these counterterrorism initiatives, allowing potential threats to slip through unchecked.

Economic Implications

While larger economic blocs can benefit from the “size effect” by gaining access to more excellent markets, capital, and ideas, uncontrolled migration can negate these advantages for wealthier nations. 13 Unrestricted integration with poorer countries can lead to a dilution of human capital lower savings rates, reduced average salaries, strained infrastructure, higher fertility rates, and increased bureaucracy – factors that can impede economic growth. 13

Furthermore, larger countries tend to be less open to trade with other nations, as they already have access to substantial internal markets and resources. 13 This insularity can diminish the potential economic benefits of forming larger economic blocs through open borders and unrestricted migration policies.

The influx of illegal migrants, many lacking proper documentation or means of sustenance, poses additional economic burdens on France’s social welfare systems, housing, healthcare, and employment sectors. More robust border controls and stringent deportation practices are crucial to mitigating these strains on public resources and preserving economic stability.

Implementing Stricter Deportation Practices

To effectively curb the influx of illegal migrants and address the grave public safety risks they pose, France must implement stricter deportation practices and enforce them systematically. The lax enforcement of existing deportation orders has allowed many illegal immigrants, including those with prior criminal convictions, to evade removal from the country, enabling them to commit heinous crimes like the recent abduction and rape of a Ukrainian minor by a Tunisian invader. 14 15

Systematic Enforcement

The French government issues many deportation orders (OQTFs), yet only a tiny percentage are enforced. In 2021 alone, nearly 122,000 OQTFs were issued, but only around 10,000 people were deported, a mere 8.2% enforcement rate. 15 This abysmal enforcement rate not only undermines the rule of law but also emboldens illegal immigrants to remain in the country, posing grave risks to public safety and national security.

To address this issue, France must adopt a more systematic and rigorous approach to enforcing deportation orders. This may involve allocating more resources for apprehending and deporting illegal immigrants, increasing the capacity of pre-deportation detention facilities, and streamlining the appeals process to prevent excessive delays. 15 Additionally, France should prioritize the deportation of illegal immigrants with criminal records, particularly those convicted of violent crimes or sexual offenses, to protect its citizens from further harm.

Humanitarian Considerations

While implementing stricter deportation practices is crucial, upholding humanitarian principles and respecting human rights are equally important. France must ensure that its deportation policies do not violate international agreements or put individuals at risk of persecution or torture in their countries of origin [18]. 14

In cases where deportation is not feasible or would violate humanitarian principles, France should consider alternative solutions, such as granting temporary protected status or exploring voluntary return programs. 16 However, these alternatives should be carefully evaluated and granted only to individuals who pose no threat to public safety and are willing to abide by the laws and values of the French Republic.

By balancing strict enforcement and humanitarian considerations, France can effectively address the challenges of illegal immigration while upholding its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

Conclusion

The shocking case of the Tunisian illegal immigrant, already under a deportation order, abducting and raping a 15-year-old Ukrainian girl serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter border controls and unwavering enforcement of deportation policies in France. This heinous act of sexual violence against a minor, perpetrated by an individual with prior convictions for such offenses, underscores the grave risks posed by unchecked illegal immigration and the failure to deport those ordered to leave.

France must take a firm stand against these abhorrent crimes and protect its citizens, especially vulnerable minors, from the scourge of illegal migrants with criminal histories. A nationalist approach, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the French people, demands swift and resolute action. France must uphold its commitment to safeguarding its borders, expediting the deportation of illegal immigrants, and showing zero tolerance for those who commit despicable acts like the abduction and rape of a Ukrainian teenager by a Tunisian migrant with a prior sex assault conviction.

FAQs

What happened to the children and infants after the police cleared the makeshift refugee camps in Tunis?

After Tunisian police conducted raids and dismantled several makeshift migrant tent camps in the capital city of Tunis, hundreds of refugees, including children and infants, have gone missing. The majority of these refugees, primarily from Sudan, were reportedly forcibly taken and left in the desert near the Algerian border.

Where is Tunisia situated?

Tunisia, known officially as the Republic of Tunisia, is located at the northern tip of Africa [19]. It is part of the Maghreb region, bordered by Algeria to the west and southwest, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east [20].