The necessary immigration. The Italian context

Abstract

Economic theory, but also common sense, would suggest that migration from those regions with a low-paid work force surplus towards regions where the work force is in demand and highly paid, would bring about an overall well-being. However, even if there is the right to emigrate, there is no corresponding right to immigrate, and for various reasons restrictions on international mobility are ever on the increase. Restrictions therefore, in front of immigration which seems to have become a tidal wave, but at the same time, in a moment when the request for immigrants is increasing, a request which is probably destined to increase even more in the coming years: this is the paradox. Even Italy, traditionally a country of emigration, is rapidly becoming a country of immigration: the percentage of officially registered foreigners, however, only accounts for about 2 per cento of the total population. This population should go from the present 57.3 million to 41.2 million by 2050. Social alarm is a complex issue, nearly a countertendency. Even if many would like to ignore it, the multi-ethic society is here, at our door.