For the 2010 DVD edition of RESF: a resistance network, we have worked out a glossary of key words heard in the films, related to France’s immigration policy. The information contained in this lexicon gives some context and details about the events recounted in the films.
DETENTION CENTRE
In 1975, the scandal of Arenc underground prison in Marseilles revealed the existence since 1964 of a “secret internment camp” for foreigners awaiting deportation, and accelerated the official recognition of detention centres and their legalisation between 1977 and 1981.The aim of detention is to allow time for the administration to gather all necessary documents for deportation. In 1981, the maximum detention period was 7 days. Between 1993 and 1998, it was extended to 10 then 12 days. The November 26, 2003 law increased it to 32 days. On June 18, 2008 European deputies passed the “Returns Directive” which among other things allows the detention period to last up to 18 months.
According to Cimade’s 2008 report, more than 32 000 foreigners were held that year in the 23 French detention centres (including those in overseas departments and territories).
> Sources
- Article site web : sanspapiers.internetdown.org - Sans papiers : S’organiser contre l’expulsion – Que faire en cas d’arrestation ? Mars 2008, 2ème version
- Article site web de La Cimade
- Rapport de La Cimade sur les centres et locaux de rétention 2007 & 2008
- Rapport d’activités de La Cimade - 2008
- Nicolas Fischer, « Clandestins au secret. Contrôle et circulation de l’information dans les centres de rétention administrative français ». Cultures & Conflits, 57, printemps 2005. Consulté le 21 décembre 2009.