ROME — Italian lawmakers voted Wednesday to fine illegal immigrants up to $13,670 and jail the people who house them, imposing stiff new penalties in an attempt to stem a flood of migrants on rickety boats from Africa.
The legislation approved also lengthens the amount of time illegal migrants can spend in detention to six months and allows officials to set up local citizen patrols.
Premier Silvio Berlusconi’s conservative government is being pressured by the anti-immigrant Northern League party in its coalition to halt illegal migration as Italy’s economy shrinks in the global downturn, like others across Europe.
Italy’s plight is particularly acute because its largely unpatrolled coastline close to Africa makes it a destination of choice for smuggling operations working out of Libya and other countries.
by the associated press
The legislation approved also lengthens the amount of time illegal migrants can spend in detention to six months and allows officials to set up local citizen patrols.
Premier Silvio Berlusconi’s conservative government is being pressured by the anti-immigrant Northern League party in its coalition to halt illegal migration as Italy’s economy shrinks in the global downturn, like others across Europe.
Italy’s plight is particularly acute because its largely unpatrolled coastline close to Africa makes it a destination of choice for smuggling operations working out of Libya and other countries.
by the associated press
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