Thousands in Paris Protest in Support of Immigrants

Thousands of people marched through the French capital Wednesday in support of illegal immigrants demanding work papers and in solidarity with 10 immigrants staging a hunger strike for a 48th day.

Prime Minister Alain Juppe summoned Cabinet ministers to his office Wednesday for an urgent meeting to consider the standoff with 300 illegal African immigrants occupying a Paris church in an attempt to resist deportation.

Marchers held up pictures of the 10 hunger strikers and chanted, “First, second or third generation, we are all the children of immigrants!” Others chanted, “Debre, resign!” referring to Interior Minister Jean-Louis Debre.

The immigrants, who moved into St. Bernard Church in northern Paris in June, have become the focus of a national debate over illegal workers and humane treatment of immigrants.

One hunger striker, a 29-year-old Malian, was hospitalized briefly Tuesday night after doctors said the hunger strikers were nearing critical condition.

Juppe cut short his vacation to return to Paris and deal with the situation.

The prime minister did not have any immediate comment, but the newspaper Le Monde said President Jacques Chirac had asked Juppe on Tuesday to get involved and “quickly undertake a study” of how to apply tough immigration laws.

The laws, drawn up by former Interior Minister Charles Pasqua, require foreigners to wait two years after marrying a French national before applying for citizenship, restrict visas for relatives visiting France and give police increased powers in carrying out identity checks.

Children born in France--once automatically granted French nationality--must now apply for citizenship.

Conservative groups are calling for the expulsion of illegal workers, while supporters are pleading with the government to let them stay.