Foreign Bodies in the Nation

The 'Health Problem of Immigration' in France during the Interwar Period

Abstract

My purpose is to examine “the health problem of immigration” revealed by hygienists in France in the interwar period. This issue is defined here as the process through which immigrants’ health has become an object of public reflection and protest as well a target for public action. I shall focus on the emerging issue and its legitimisation as well as on the underlying mobilised arguments. The first part of the article presents the situation of the hygienists in the field of immigration health control. Then, since 1925, the problem has been defined, the issues have been determined and publicised. Finally, I shall study the arguments mobilised to expose a health issue associated with migrants entering the territory and I intend to show the issues underlying the discourses around the preconceived ideas of uncontrolled immigration.