Italian Immigration and asylum policy

Italian immigration policy is a sensitive topic on the Italian as well as on the European political scene. Due to its geographical location Italy is exposed to an enormous influx of immigrants coming to the country mainly from North Africa. Being a country that faces the immigration issue in the last decades and and has a relatively young legislation in this area Italy is often criticized for its awkward anti-immigration measures. Italian society has generally a negative attitude concerning the immigration issue that is often supported by the opinions of Italian politicians and the strict legislation. My thesis analyzes the development and the current situation of the Italian immigration and asylum policy and the weightiest problems that Italy faces. The thesis describes the situation of immigrants in Italy, development of legislation in the area and the most controversial point of the last law on immigration. Next the treating of immigrants by the state authorities and the integration policy is discussed. The last chapter focuses on the Italian policy connected with the European immigration policy, analyses their relation and possibilities for a better cooperation in the future