The first focus of french involvement in the americas was centered on

exploration for a route to the east

Explanation:

French colonization in the Americas, as well as English, was delayed compared to Spanish and Portuguese expeditions. Despite the delay, the French undertook colonization attempts in the three Americas. The first focus of French involvement in the Americas was centered on exploring a route to the east, as this region had riches of interest to the French crown.

immigrants from northern and western europe continued coming as they had for three centuries, but in decreasing numbers