Moroccan Immigration in France: Do Migration Policies Matter?

This article examines the relationship between Moroccan migration to France and French policy regarding migrant flows and integration alongside other factors determining individual decisions to come and settle in France. The article recalls that France remains the main destination country in terms of flows and stocks for Moroccans and hosts Moroccans of varied legal statuses, age, gender and occupation. Based on explorative interviews, the article suggests that Moroccans are mainly affected by administrative practices yet most decisions to come were made based on economic calculus and kinship interventions. The article also stresses that Moroccans are feeling the brunt of anti-migrant racism yet this does not deter their will to stay because of their presence of children in France.