Immigration in Italy is a relatively recent phenomenon. Traditionally an emigration country, between 1984 and 1989 the diversion of immigrants flows towards Southern Europe transformed Italy into a receiver of immigrants. Since the late 1980s, immigration policy became progressively more restrictive. Today, Italy is considered by most immigration experts as having some of the most stringent immigration laws in Europe. This class looks at the specificities and at the contradictions of immigration in Italy by comparing its national legislation with requests for social integration at the local level. While at the national level the immigration discourse is centered on religious homogeneity and requests for stricter deportation practices, at the local level there emerge programs to promote multicultural awareness. The Veneto region is at the forefront of these initiatives, being it both home of the conservative Northern League, and traditionally a cosmopolitan area promoting integration and multiculturalism. Class will include field-trips intended to look at the various facets of immigration in and around Venice, and to analyze dynamics of racial profiling and social integration.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 21:30:26 +0000
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