OverView of Public Policies and NGOs Services for Immigrants’ Integration in Italy

Abstract

Italy is the most relevant example ofthe “Mediterranean model ofmigration”. Since 1980s, at the beginning ofmigratory flows, its migratory System was marked by strong demand for foreign workers and the absence ofreal possibilities oflegal entry. Until recently, Italian policy has mainly concentrated on managing the backdoor of illegal entry. The paper provides an overview of Italian public policies and NGOs Services for immigrants’ integration. By drawing from selected research, it attempts at demonstrating peculiarities and deficiencies of the integration measures adopted so far. Policy recommendations directed at civil dialogue and social cohesion are suggested at the end.