Migrants and Asylum Seekers in Italy - Term Paper Example

MIGRANTS AND ASYLUM SEEKERS IN ITALY Migrants and Asylum Seekers in Italy The recent years have seen huge increases in the number of immigrations to different parts of the world. Amid these immigrations has developed several problems and new trends in migration issues. For example, numbers of illegal immigrants has soared high in different regions especially Europe. For example, according to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) there were more 165000 irregular refugees trying to enter Europe through the Mediterranean sea in the first nine months of 2014 (Peter, 2014, para. 5). The increased migrations can be attributed to economic factors and mainly conflicts in home countries. Among these migrations there are some that are illegal and this can be attributed to rise in the number of human smugglers. The problem of human smugglers has been on many countries’ radar since it not only contributes to illegal immigrations but also risks the lives of the immigrants. For example, entry to Europe has raised concerns since most of the migrations take place through the Mediterranean Sea without proper means hence risking the lives of these immigrants. The UNHCR reports reveal that approximately 3000 immigrants have died or got lost in the Mediterranean in 2014 (Peter, 2014, para. 7). This are relatively high numbers especially considering that the year has not even ended yet hence there may be more fatalities. However, amid these increased immigrations there are some countries that are affected more seemingly due to their strategic position in reference to the Mediterranean. For instance Italy has received more migrants and asylum seekers than most of the other countries in Europe. As such it is arguably more favorable to take keen focus on the immigration trends in Italy. Reports by UNHCR showed that there were about 140000 new arrivals in Italy in 2014 via the route of Mediterranean (Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), 2014). These are relatively high numbers of immigrations and in such scenario there are high chances of having an increase in numbers of asylum seekers. Asylum seekers are self-proclaimed refugees who are yet to be definitively evaluated. Most of the immigrants into Italy mainly come from Eritrea, Somalia, and Afghanistan. According to the CIA fact book there were 12,682, 10,817, and 6,695 refugees from Eritrea, Somalia and Afghanistan respectively in 2013. However, of late there has been a change in the numbers of refugees from other nations with Syria having the highest number of refugees in Italy. This can be attributed to the high levels of conflict and civil wars in Syria. However, there are also other refugees from other countries with reasons of fleeing home countries ranging from poverty to abuse of human rights. Amid these increasing rates of migrants and asylum seekers in Italy there has been concerns over these issues. There is a wide range of reactions from the Italian officials and the general public is expressing concerns as well. This can be attributed to the wide range of impacts that accompany migrants and asylum seekers. The general reactions of Italians on the maters revolving around immigration seem to suggest unpleasantness towards the increased migrations into Italy. For example, a research carried by Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes in 2009 showed that eight out of ten Italians would like to see more strict immigration policies and laws (Horowitz, 2010, para 2). This implies that there is a feeling that enough is not being done in relation to regulating immigration. Additionally, a comparison of the results from Italy of the same research carried out in 47 other countries revealed that Italians were the most concerned about matters related to immigration. The research showed that 94 % of Italians considered immigration a great problem in Italy and sought better policies and immediate action (Horowitz, 2010, para.3). Borrowing from these results it is evident most Italians share the opinion of reduced immigrations. With these kind of opinions there is bound to an impacts on the political platforms of Italy due the dissatisfaction levels of the people towards policy makers especially in relation to immigration issues. Studies show that there is strong anti-immigrant sentiments generally in Europe but Italy at 80% is certainly among the leaders of this view (Stokes, 2014, para 7). Therefore, issues revolving around immigration in Italy need to be revisited in a bid to bring satisfaction and cater for the concerns raised by the citizens. However, amid these Italian reactions, there has been efforts from policy makers to regulate immigration issues. These efforts have seen introduction of several policies in a bid to take control of the situation of migrants and asylum seekers. However, this is not to say there were no policies regulating immigrations before, but rather the main focus is on strengthening the existing policies by either creating amendments and or adding some new clauses to the existing policies. Nevertheless, the existing laws seemingly focused more on giving provisions for registration of new citizens under the normal circumstances where willing foreign citizens apply for citizenship. This is to say that there were seemingly few policies focusing on the plight of refugees. The recent focus has however seen increased attention towards refugees and asylum seekers. The main provisions introduced are provision of quotas for granting stay permits and introduction of administrative detention for immigrants found without authentic stay permits (). Policies revolving around introduction of quotas for stay permits were introduced as a measure to reduce the number of asylum seekers and discourage illegal immigrants. This is because these policies are seemingly lenient and inviting to the immigrants since all can apply for the permits. However, it is not guaranteed that a person will be granted the permit since its issuance is dependent on satisfaction of several factors to avoid harboring criminals and law evaders from foreign countries. These laws have assisted in solving the problem with the numbers of asylum seekers dropping by 15 % according to a report from the Italian Interior Ministry released between October and November (Lunghini, 2014, para.1). However, these policies are tightened and under close monitoring to avoid using them freely for other reasons such as work. This is to say that under work reasons, issuance of the permits is determined by the demand for a workforce. As a result there has been close relations with the Ministry of Labour in order to be aware of the employment and unemployment rates both at national and regional level. Under the introduction of administrative detentions there were created “Centers of Temporary Stay” (CPTs), for holding the asylum seekers. Creation of CPT was established under Article 12 of Law no. 40/1998 that deals with regulations of deportations. This law provides for detainment of a foreigner whose issues have not yet been resolved. Such issues include but are not limited to necessity of establishing the person’s identity and finding a means of transport. Application of these laws is guided by laws revolving around issuance of a questore that is validated by a judge. Although detainment of persons in Italy is assigned to the Ministry of Justice and the police, cases revolving around CPTs are considered a bit special. As such CPT cases are assigned for the police division dealing with maters of street demonstrations (). These centers are also kept under constant surveillance in order to determine and ensure that fundamental human rights are observed especially with the inclusion of asylum seekers waiting for issuance of stay permits. For example, just recently the Italian Chamber of Deputies passed a vote for establishment of a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry charged with the responsibilities of overseeing functions of these centers (Lunghini, 2014, para.1). This implies that there is increased focus to ensure better conditions and policies of immigration. Increased rates of immigration are accompanied a variety of consequences ranging from positive to negative effects. On the negative side increased immigrations bring about increased population growth hence straining the available resources. For instance, employment levels are expected to reduce with increases in population. This is because the immigrants will be seeking employment chances form their new locations. This explains the need for Italy’s constant reference to employment demand before issuing stay permits. Presence of high populations without a sustainable source of income causes an increase of the general poverty rate and simultaneously increases dependency levels. As a result the economy is likely to be strained. However, amid these challenges immigrants may bring some advantages to the country. This results from the fact that increased population is likely to increase production especially if majority have employment either self or organizational based. For example, in 7.4% of Italy’s is comprised of migrants who contribute 12% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and pay about EUR13.3 billion in taxes. Additionally, the research study showed that there was an increase of 55.4 % in relation to foreign enterprises (Giacomo, 2013, para. 2-3). Borrowing from these results it is evident that Italy is reaping great economic gains from increased immigrations. In solving the problem of immigration there are several measures that can be taken. For instance there needs to be enhanced border security to prevent illegal entrance. In Italy’s case the main security enhancements should be enforced especially along the Mediterranean border. In enhancing security Italy can employ use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to aid the border patrols and avoid any unseen escapes (The Heritage Foundation, 2014). Additionally, there can be improvements on the policies surrounding immigrations. For instance there can be more restrictions relating to immigration issues such enforcing harsher laws for illegal migrants. However, in enforcing laws and policies there also needs to be considerations on the providing favorable laws that encourage registration of new citizens. This is to say that establishing favorable policies can encourage migrants to follow legal procedures in order to acquire citizenship or temporary stay permits. With the recent migrant and asylum seekers state in Italy there is need for implementation of policies and provisions to offer solutions to the problem. Italy has already taken some steps to solve the problem such as integration of immigrants. The process of integration involves accepting the immigrants into the country as part of the foreign community and accepting the foreign community in relation to upholding equality, human rights, and diversity (Dubon, 2011, para. 1). This mainly solves the solution of illegal immigrants by encouraging legalization of migrations. Additionally, Italy has introduced issuance of stay permits for immigrants hence reducing rates of asylum seekers. Moreover, introduction of policies enforcing and providing for apprehension and detention of persons without stay permits has discouraged increment of immigrations. However, there is seemingly more to be done since Italy has still a high record of migrants and asylum seekers. References Giacomo, F. (2013). New migration statistics in Italy show overwhelmingly positive impact. International Organization for Immigration. The Heritage Foundation. (2014). Solutions 2014: Immigration. Dubon, G. (2011). Integration of immigrants in Italy. Journal of international affairs. Central Intelligence Agency. (2014). The world fact book: Italy. Horowitz, J. (2010 January 12). Widespread Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in Italy. Pew Research Global Attitudes Research. Retrieved from http://www.pewglobal.org/2010/01/12/widespread-anti-immigrant-sentiment-in-italy/ Aquila, A. (2012 November 10). Immigration Policies in Italy – Rights, Movements and Imprisonment. Transform. Retrieved from http://www.transform-network.net/fr/revue/numero-102012/news/detail/Journal/immigration-policies-in-italy-rights-movements-and-imprisonment.html Stokes, B. (2014 May 12). Key takeaways from the European Union survey. Pew Research Centre. Retrieved from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/05/12/5-key-takeaways-from-the-european-union-survey/ Peter, L. (2014 October 9). Q&A: Migrants and asylum in the EU. BBC News Europe. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-24583286 Lunghini, R. (2014 November 18). A new Commission will investigate how migrants are received. West. Retrieved from http://www.west-info.eu/a-new-commission-will-investigate-how-migrants-are-received/ Lunghini, R. (2014 December 2). Last figures on asylum seekers in Italy. West. Retrieved from http://www.west-info.eu/last-figures-on-asylum-seekers-in-italy/ Read More