Rome, 14 May-(ANA)-Italy’s lower chamber of parliament has passed a controversial billmaking it a crime to enter or stay in Italy illegally‚ in the latest effort by Silvio Berlusconi's conservative forces to crack down on illegal immigration.
To ensure swift passage, the Italian prime minister's allies put the legislation to a confidence vote, which they easily won 316-258. Confidence votes force MPs to close ranks, since any defeat would bring about the government's resignation.
The legislation makes it a crime to enter or stay in Italy without permission, punishable by a fine of €5,000-€10,000 (£4,500-£9,000) but no prison penalty.
Anyone who rents housing to an illegal immigrant faces up to three years' jail.
The measure must now be approved by the senate.
Berlusconi's conservative coalition has been trying to clamp down on illegal immigrants, bolstered by surveys showing that many Italians link immigrants to crime.
Last year, more than 36,000 immigrants from Africa and elsewhere arrived in Italy by boat, many coming ashore on the tiny Sicilian island of Lampedusa. Hundreds of boats run by organised smuggling rings set off from Libya alone.
Italy now ranks fourth after the US, Canada and France for the number of asylum-seekers, according to the Italian Refugee Council, a humanitarian group. Last year 31,160 people sought asylum in Italy, more than double the number from 2007. (ANA)
