Sakaev Vasil
https://doi.org/10.17506/ryipl.2016.1.112134
Abstract: The article investigates the phenomenon of immigration in Italy, seeking a comprehensive explanation of the political and demographic aspects. It examines the demographic situation in the Italian Republic and explains the specific characteristics, factors and trends (low fertility, increasing life expectancy, and an aging population). It asserts that the relationship between demographics and migration processes in the past, present and future is determined by the need for immigration as a mechanism for social and economic development in Italy. The article reveals the dynamics, trends and development stages of the immigration processes in Italy from the 1980s to the present day taking into consideration ethnic and confessional structure of immigration, as well as ethnic characteristics of immigrant employment in the economy. The article emphasizes the study and analysis of the transformation of immigration policy, including the identification of its stages and patterns, reasons and characteristics of legislation. Special attention is given to the new challenges posed by the problem of refugees and illegal trafficking of people in the Mediterranean region after 2011. In conclusion, the author defines the importance of immigration issue for internal politics in Italy, describing the specifics of the integration of different migrant generations and highlighting the problems faced in relation to the political participation of immigrants in present time and in the future.
Keywords: Italy, demography, immigration, immigration policy, political demography.