Sarkozy ♥ immigrants

Sarkozy has recently proposed a bill that would call for DNA testing of immigrants (at their own expense) who want to emigrate to France to join family members. Testing would not be compulsory but would be "suggested" for individuals whose birth records or marriage records are not "clearly genuine". The implication is that those who refuse testing might be more likely to have their cases denied.

As a matter of fact, this kind of law is not uncommon in Europe. The UK is among several countries that have passed this type of legislation. Kinda shocking, isn't it?

Currently France has strict controls on DNA testing. Testing is only allowed for genetic or medical research, or when approved by a judge. So the double standard expected from immigrants seems particularly unfair.

The civil rights concerns are pretty obvious. Plus, after having sat through some genetic epi seminars lately, one thing that crossed my mind about all this-- which regularly comes up in genetic studies-- is what's known in the epi biz as paternity problems. These tests could be quite a nasty surprise for some people.