France Passes Controversial DNA Immigration Bill

France's hotly contested immigration bill that includes provisions for DNA testing passed the legislature yesterday. The bill tightens restrictions on would-be immigrants applying for entry to reunite with family members already in the country, and could include DNA testing to prove they're related to people living in France.

Thousands protested the bill over the weekend. Proponents say the changes will reduce fraud and speed up the process for legitimate candidates, while opponents argue that the new law is racist and that human rights ideals should govern residency, not genetics. "This law violates the fundamental principles of the republic which do not define family and affiliation by biology," said a critic. (More France stories.)