France’s Constitutional Council will on Thursday rule on the legality of a controversial immigration law passed by parliament in mid-December.

The law included measures making it more difficult to receive social benefits, such as housing subsidies or family allowances.

Birthright citizenship would no longer be automatic, and dual nationals who commit offences against law enforcement officers could also lose their French nationality.

The law was pushed for by President Emmanuel Macron and intended to better regulate migration and improve integration into French society.

However, under pressure from the conservative opposition party Les Républicains, on whose votes Mr Macron’s centrist camp depended to pass the legislation, the measures were toughened.

The law has not yet been in force due to the judicial review.

Mr Macron’s administration submitted the law to the constitutional council for review; it could be in his interest if the body uses its authority to remove some of the stricter provisions.

Health minister Aurélien Rousseau was so upset that he resigned in protest against the law in December.

Other ministers also considered resigning, according to media reports.

France’s left-wing camp, meanwhile, describes the legislation as xenophobic and has mobilised nationwide demonstrations against it.

The constitutional council scrutinises the legality of statutes to see if they conform to the constitution.

It would determine whether portions of the law need amendment or simply delete before it comes into force.

(dpa/NAN)