Many of these individuals have since received permanent status. As a result of a 1996 amendment to existing immigration law, asylum seekers arriving by air with no papers may be detained indefinitely in closed centers while awaiting consideration of their cases. Children in such centers do not attend school. Pursuant to the 1996 amendment to immigration law, asylum seekers awaiting consideration of their cases will no longer qualify for financial assistance but will be provided room and board at refugee centers. The law provides citizens with the right to change their government peacefully.
Opposition parties operate freely.
The federal Government is responsible for such matters of state as security, justice, social security, and fiscal and monetary policy. The regional governments are charged with undertakings that directly affect the geographical region and the material well-being of its residents, such as commerce and trade, public works, and environmental policy. The linguistic community councils handle matters more directly affecting the mental and cultural well-being of the individual, such as education and administration of certain social welfare programs. Women hold some high-level positions in the Government formed after the May 1995 general elections. Two of 15 federal ministers are women.