Italy Adopts Controversial Anti-Migrant Decree

Matteo Salvini

The Italian government has passed a decree which will make it easier to deport migrants and strip them of Italian citizenship.

Migrants could now be expelled if they are found guilty of serious crimes such as rape and assault.

Previously, this was only possible at the end of a lengthy appeals process.

Interior Minister Matteo Salvini described the measure as "a step forward to make Italy safer". The measure needs the backing of lawmakers.

The decree also envisages that asylum seekers accused of drug dealing will have their applications denied, Mr Salvini said.

He has been a prominent figure in a public immigration crackdown in Italy since his government, a coalition between the right-wing League party and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, came to power in June.

The minister has frequently come into conflict with rescue ship operators and last month was involved in a public stand-off about the disembarkation of 150 migrants on a coast guard ship on the island of Sicily.

Mr Salvini is under investigation for his role in the dispute.





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