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