The revival of policies aimed at social integration

With the emergence of the so-called 'welcome and integration contract', (contrat d'accueil et d'intégration) which proposes linguistic training and information on individual rights to newly arrived immigrants, the French State is renewing its concept of integration. This idea can no longer be regarded as an impossible cultural assimilation left over from the colonial era, but is based on the construction of a common platform of Republican values. At La Courneuve, where eighty different nationalities live together, all new inhabitants, whether they are French or not, are welcomed by the municipality and are informed about facilities and municipal services. Communitarist associations which promote segregation are refused grants and premises. However, efforts to apply the same rules for everyone still come up against discrimination, particularly in the work place which ought to be a key place for integration. The role of civil society, whether in companies or in associations, is a crucial factor in this respect.