In Italy, as in other countries of southern Europe, immigration in the last twenty years has found many opportunities in the labour market, both official and unofficial. More recently, however, the government has toughened its policies towards immigration, although in practice the implementation of the measures has been very different from the rhetoric, particularly on the key theme of unauthorized immigration. But there has also been an increase in local measures against immigrants, particularly in the regions of northern Italy, where immigrants are most integrated into the labour market and the urban texture: measures to limit access to benefits and social services to Italian citizens; extremely noisy campaigns to combat illegal immigration, to the point of encouraging tip-offs to the authorities and house-to-house checks; bans on the opening of places of worship by Muslims; and restrictive regulations for ethnic businesses. Often these measures are later revoked, whether because of the mobilization of pro-immigrant opinion, or intervention by the courts or other officials, but they help spread a climate of mistrust and ill-feeling. only subscribers can see the full article

The article deals with the impact of immigration in Europe and in the UK in particular. Laws disciplining the employing of recent migrants have become more and more restrictive and the interaction of immigration rules and labour law is damaging to the social well-being and employment of recent migrants. The article summarizes the history of immigration policies and shows that in Europe there is a common policy to reduce immigration, limit the reuniting of families and encourage professional, qualified immigrants, excluding unqualified workers. The article concludes that this policy is contradictory and damaging for the well-being of both the indigenous and migrant populations of Europe.only subscribers can see the full article