This article offers a particular interpretation of the changes that have taken place over the last forty years in the migration policies adopted by countries receiving migration flows. According to this interpretation the development of present-day migration policies has gradually given rise to a system of civic stratification. This way of observing the institutions linked to migration policies allows us to take a critical view both of the aspects of closure and/or openness in policies designed to integrate migrants, and of the aspects of differentiation and civic stratification of migrants It then dwells on the Italian model for regulating access and socio-juridical integration of migrants, bringing out the its distinctive features and how in line it is with the models of socio-juridical integration in other European countries.only subscribers can see the full article

Italian migration policies are a highly conflictual policy area, where apparently opposed and polarised reform proposals are frequently presented. As a result there is a widespread impression that this field is notable for strong, opposed discontinuities over the last few decades. The paper documents how the choices in Italian migration policy have been notable for strong long-term continuities. If the reforms of migration legislation have gradually increased technical effectiveness of repressive regulations this effort has not had the result of greater capacity in dealing with the phenomenon.only subscribers can see the full article