Anti-immigrant sentiments have become harder to square with the European Union’s open border policy, which allows union citizens to settle in any member state. In January, Bulgaria and Romania were admitted to the European Union and their citizens may now live legally in Italy without any special permit. That includes the Roma ethnic minority, who tend to live separately and resist integration. “The Roma as well are European citizens and as a consequence of that, their rights should be assured,” Cristian David, Romania’s interior minister, said Thursday at a conference in Rome, commenting on the sweep. Immigrants are now an essential part of the labor force in Italy, as in many other Western European nations with aging populations and low birthrates.
Appunti di un anonimo italiano
16/5/2008
