Weekly news roundup

At the end of every week we will offer a regular look at the 'top stories’ on migration, integration, fundamental rights and the movement of people in general.

• In news from Europe, a riot at the Parisian Gare du Nord crystalizes the debate over immigration and national identity as a key issue in the French elections. The BBC features the story of a new project in Linconlshire county to help migrants learn about their rights and learn the English language in the UK.
• A number of interesting stories on immigration from the US over the past few days: The International Herald Tribune offers a first glimpse at the White House plan to grant work visas to undocumented migrants. For weeks now, Republican Senators have held closed-door meetings on the draft immigration legislation. Under the plan, undocumented workers could apply for three-year work visas, renewable indefinitely. Yet, these come at a hefty price tag. The clear need to reform current US immigration legislation was underlined by the immigrant rights rallies across the country last March. On March 26, 5,000 immigrants and their supporters gathered in Los Angeles to mark this occasion. Meanwhile, this week's Economist reports that more and more illegal immigrants are leaving Los Angeles, in part because they are seeking out better economic opportunities elsewhere, in part because they want a better life for their children. This is a mixed blessing for the City of Angels, the article argues. On the one hand it takes the pressure off public services, on the other hand “their departure suggests that a place is losing some of its economic dynamism.” Despite the difficulties in devising a functional policy toward undocumented and illegal migrants, green card holders and other legal immigrants are increasingly opting to become American citzens, as the New York Times reports.
• The IHT also features a number of Associated Press stories on migrants trying to make their way toward a better life. This story covers the journey of a Somali migrant to the rich Gulf states, while this article examines the plight of over 100 Haitian migrants as they attempt to reach the shores of Florida.