155: What it takes to become French in 2026 with Charli James

Nearly 12 years I ago, I became a French citizen. Since then, a lot has changed. Most notably, the criteria for nationality have tightened this year. Given how many more Americans, in particular, are looking to move to France, I thought it was time to dig into the process, how it’s gotten harder and why — at least for everyone except George Clooney— and to do so, I brought on a friend of the show, France 24 journalist, and new French citizen, Charli James.  Mentioned in this episode:Charli James Stricter French requirements, fewer resources: Immigrants face new hurdlesFrance defends decision to grant George Clooney citizenshipLes procédures d'accès à la nationalité française Immigration : polémique sur des tests de français A new civic examination for foreigners wishing to settle in FranceHow France’s far right changed the debate on immigrationIn Brussels, the far right can no longer be ignoredAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠