Immigrants in Italy
Italy has been a destination for immigrants for many decades, with waves of immigration from different regions of the world. The country has a long history of immigration, with the first significant wave of immigration occurring in the 1950s and 1960s, when Italy experienced a labor shortage and recruited foreign workers from southern Europe and North Africa.
Today, Italy remains a popular destination for immigrants, although the political climate has become increasingly hostile to immigration in recent years. The country has experienced a significant influx of migrants from North Africa and the Middle East in the past decade, many of whom are seeking asylum.
However, Italy has struggled to cope with the large number of migrants and refugees arriving on its shores, leading to tensions with other European Union countries over burden-sharing and the treatment of migrants. The Italian government has implemented a series of measures to deter migration, including tightening border controls, increasing deportations, and restricting access to social services.
Despite these challenges, Italy remains a diverse and multicultural country, with immigrant communities contributing to the country's economy and society in a variety of ways.