The French government is facing internal divisions and mounting criticism from both the left and the far-left parties over a compromise draft immigration bill that has been described as being more hardline than initial proposals.

After suffering a shock defeat of President Emmanuel Macron's flagship immigration bill last week, the government formed a joint committee of senators and MPs to seek a compromise. However, in order to secure the necessary support to pass the legislation, the government has had to rely on the conservative Les Républicains party, known for its hardline stance on immigration.

The joint committee reached a compromise on Tuesday, but the draft bill has drawn criticism for its stringent measures. One provision states that non-European immigrants without a job will have to wait for five years before being eligible for housing and child benefits. While some countries, including the UK, have introduced similar measures, they have been criticized in France for breaking with the country's universalist principles due to discrimination based on nationality.

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne defended the contents of the bill, highlighting some progressive measures such as a ban on putting underage illegal migrants in detention centers and easier procedures for undocumented workers to obtain legal papers. Borne also emphasized the need to differentiate the bill from the far-right's stance, stating, "We believe in integrating [foreigners] through work, while the far-right stands for national preference."

However, both the Socialist and far-left France Unbowed parties have condemned the government for yielding to the conservatives and the far-right in order to secure a deal on immigration. Critics argue that Macron's centrist camp is starting to resemble the policies of Marine Le Pen and her National Rally party.

The draft legislation has become a significant test for Macron's ability to govern France, especially as doubts have been raised following last year's parliamentary election defeat, which cost him his majority in the National Assembly. Migration has become a major concern for the public, and the government is under pressure to respond to hardened public opinion on border control and immigration issues.

The hardened compromise draft legislation risks further dividing Macron's coalition, with left-leaning centrists threatening not to vote for the bill due to its tougher measures. In response, Renaissance MPs argue that a consensus needs to be reached on this pertinent issue that has garnered significant attention in recent polls.

Macron's centrist coalition members are expected to meet with the French president at the Elysée Palace ahead of the vote, and the National Assembly is set to vote on the draft bill shortly thereafter.