Italy

Since the 1980s, Italy has become an immigration country, after almost a century of emigration history. Initially, many immigrants were attracted by the relatively large shadow economy. While the establishment of regular migration regulations has taken time, five amnesties have provided opportunities for the regularization of irregular migrants. More than half of all regular residents currently in Italy obtained their status through one of these amnesties.  Successive governments have tried to reduce the number of boat people landing on Italy?s southern shore by increasing coast guard patrols and deportations.