France to bring in immigrant quota system

France is adopting a tougher immigration policy by introducing a quota system for immigrants with professional skills and accelerating the expulsion of illegal entrants. The move, announced by the government on the 10 June 2005 is partly in response to the voters' 'revolt' in the referendum of 29 May 2005 in which they rejected the European Union's constitutional treaty. Illegal immigration and unemployment were two of the main causes of voter discontent, fanned by far-right political parties.