ABSTRACT
The causes for the current illegal immigration to Italy are similar to the causes that motivated illegal emigration from Italy in the past: immigration requires that the migrant is first recruited by a domestic employer; the annual number of immigrants is defined by a quota; the legal application process is impersonal and lengthy in duration; the initial residence and work permits are typically short term; family reunions are limited. Illegal immigration is the focus of political tension in Italy, while Italian illegal migrants did not attract the same attention at the time.
