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A Third of Italians Say Immigrants Cause Crime
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Some people in Italy believe foreign-born residents are the main cause of crime in the country, according to a poll by Ispo published in Corriere della Sera. 35 per cent of respondents share this view.
Additionally, 44 per cent of respondents say all illegal immigrants should be expelled, even if they have not committed any crime or misdeeds, and 34 per cent disagree with the idea that immigrants are necessary for the national economy.
In August 2008, the government of Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi sent 3,000 military troops to patrol city streets across the country as part of a plan to curb crime and illegal immigration. A major outcry followed, with critics accusing Berlusconi of singling out Roma peoples as criminals. Pope Benedict XVI called for Catholics to help others stay away from "racism, intolerance and exclusion."
Last month, two African-born migrants working in a farm in the southern region of Calabria said they were shot with pellet guns in what they say was a racially-motivated attack. The incident quickly evolved into a massive clash between hundreds of African workers, local residents of the town of Rosarno, and police. Hundreds of migrant workers fled the town two days later.
On Feb. 12, Berlusconi surprised his Albanian counterpart Sali Berisha during a press conference after discussing matters of immigration, jokingly saying, "We will only accept pretty girls from Albania."
Polling Data
I will read some statements about immigrants. For each one, say if you agree or disagree.
|
|
Agree |
Disagree |
|
Immigrants are the main cause of crime |
35% |
65% |
|
Illegal immigrants should be expelled even if they have not committed any misdeeds |
44% |
54% |
|
Immigrants are necessary for our economy |
65% |
34% |
Source: Ispo / Corriere della Sera
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 814 Italian adults, conducted on Jan. 20 to Jan. 22, 2010. No margin of error was provided.
