Les Migrants Étrangers du Passé et d’Aujourd’hui: s’Intégrer en « Pays d’Asile »

The world today is experiencing a huge refugee crisis, and many of the migrant refugees crossing Europe seek protection in France. Among the difficulties refugees face is this process of seeking asylum, which is complicated even in France, a country that has been known for being open and welcoming. Throughout the twentieth century France has taken in thousands of war victims at different periods, and the right for the persecuted to seek asylum in France is even written in the French constitution. Why then, do refugees in France often find themselves in poor living conditions, waiting for several months until their applications for asylum are processed – the majority of which get rejected? Refugee children are particularly vulnerable during this time, especially unaccompanied minors, who might not know where to go or what is safe. Luckily, there are numerous social organizations that help them, giving information, food and personal items, while some act for better protection and housing of refugees. Those refugees who do achieve legal protection in France can experience the joys of receiving generous care, and eventually that of personal success, but also the many challenges of integrating into a new society