87% of the French Support Reducing Visas Issued to Moroccans, Algerians, Tunisians

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Tensions have been on the boil between France and Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. 

The French government was quick to take diplomatic measures against the three countries' citizens, as the three refused to accommodate their nationals who were expelled from France: It was reported that those expelled either had criminal records, had become "radicalized," or had no residence permit. 

France reacted angrily, as they've recently been, especially after a pressing betrayal from Australia. French Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, announced that they "will reduce the number of visas very significantly" for the three countries. Visas issued for Moroccans and Algerians will be reduced by 50%, while 30% will be cut from Tunisian nationals' visa applications. Algeria, then, summons its ambassador in Paris, leading to yet another diplomatic crisis. 

Just how much do the French approve of shutting the door on Arab immigrants? 

Luckily, the Consumer Science & Analytics (CSA) conducted a survey for CNEWS, a French news outlet, in order to measure the legitimacy behind this brazen decision taken by the French government. 

Results of the survey conducted showed that 87% - almost 9 out of 10 French citizens - are in favor of cutting visas for Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals, and believe that the French government was not wrong to do so. 

The most interesting trend in the survey was that the most in favor of the cut were French nationals over 50 years of age, 93% agreeing to the decision. Conversely, findings suggest that those below 34 years were less in favor of their government's decision. 

What was even more interesting, was that participants who identified with left-wing politics were very in favor of Macron's immigrant block, which poses as a contradiction to left-wing politics to be supportive of immigrant rights - however, those who identified with right-wing politics almost totally supported the decision, scoring a 94% favorability. 

Morocco condemned the decision: “Morocco has always dealt with the issue of migration and the movement of individuals with great responsibility and balance,” Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said on Tuesday. The French community in Morocco also had a say in the series of events, deeming it a “serious attack on international people’s mobility." 

For many in North Africa, France is known for its horrid and bloody history in the colonization of Algeria.