When I tell the story of how I arrived in France and finally got a visa, the typical response is That's great. I'm glad it all worked out for you. That's great as sentiments go. I appreciate the support and well wishes. But if my friends and family truly realize just how extraordinary it was that I got a visa given the current French political situation, I think I would get a few more Woooow!!!'s.
In the first place, if you didn't get a degree in France or you aren't married or related to someone in France, it's virtually impossible to get hired. Like all developed countries, there are a lot of restrictions. You generally have to be a specialist in some field and prove that you will not take a job away from a French person.
Recently it's become even more difficult. To say that the economic situation is not superb would be the understatement of the year (cf. 'Merkozy' and 'monthly summits to save Euro-zone'). There's an election coming up in five months. And no politician wants to be accused of giving French jobs to foreigners. One concrete manifestation of this trend was a circular issued this summer the Minister of the Interior Claude Guéant making it more difficult for foreign students to stay in France after their degrees and limiting the areas where foreign specialists could be admitted to the country.
A few weeks ago, I met an Algerian in a bar who was having a going-away party after seven years in France. Seven years of studies and internships--more than a fourth of his life--and yet the economic situation combined with the new restrictions made it impossible for him to extend his visa. And he's just one of many. Ask anyone who works with foreigners or has foreign friends, and he or she will tell you about at least one person in a similar situation.
Now, even talented foreigners with gainful employment are being expelled from the country. Greg Beuthin, an American computer science specialist employed with the firm Commerce Guys has been denied an extension of his visa (French). He's completely bilingual. He didn't want to leave. His company thought he did the job better than any French person would. And his job was helpful in creating other jobs in France. Not important. Visa denied.
This is the backdrop for my visa application's success. It was never, ever guaranteed or even probable. And yet it happened.
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