French Poll Reveals Broad Support for 'Negative Immigration' Targeting Criminals and Long-Term Unemployed Foreigners

A CSA survey conducted for Europe 1, CNews, and Le Journal du Dimanche (JDD) and released around June 28, 2026, found that 83% of French respondents favor deporting certain categories of foreigners already in France, specifically delinquents, criminals, or the long-term unemployed. Support reached 90% among 18-24 year olds and held steady across genders (82% men, 84% women). It was 84% among lower socioeconomic groups, 87% among the inactive, and 78% among higher professionals. Politically, majorities backed the measure on both sides: 69% on the left (66% LFI, 75% PS, 68% Greens) and over 90% on the right (96% Les Républicains, 93% National Rally). This aligns with prior CSA polling showing 87% support for deporting foreign prisoners and consistent 60-70% views that France already has too many foreigners. The results coincide with ongoing debates over remigration policies and practical challenges in enforcing deportation orders, including cases where individuals with criminal records remain due to legal or logistical barriers. Broader European trends show similar public unease with immigration volumes and integration outcomes, though elite media often frame such sentiments narrowly as fringe rather than reflecting cross-partisan data points on crime overrepresentation among non-citizens and labor market strains.