Migration to and from Italy: Diasporas, Remittances, and Return Movements MTA
A modern history of Italian emigration and immigration, assessing economic drivers, cultural consequences, and policy responses.

About this book:

"Migration to and from Italy: Diasporas, Remittances, and Return Movements" offers a comprehensive history of Italy's evolving relationship with human mobility over two centuries. The book traces Italy's transformation from a primary source of emigration, beginning in the 19th century with transatlantic movements driven by economic hardship and the "Southern Question," to its contemporary role as a significant destination for immigrants. Early chapters detail the mechanics of mass emigration to the Americas, focusing on the social and economic forces that pushed millions abroad, the crucial role of chain migration in establishing diasporic communities ("Little Italies"), and the vital economic and social lifelines provided by remittances and correspondence. It also examines internal migrations from the Mezzogiorno to the industrial North, particularly during Italy's post-WWII economic miracle.

The narrative highlights key turning points, including the impact of two World Wars on mobility, the rise of Fascist state control over the diaspora, and the profound demographic shift in the late 20th century that saw Italy's birth rate plummet. This demographic change, coupled with a growing demand for labor in specific sectors like agriculture, care work, and construction, transformed Italy into a country of immigration. The book explores the new arrival flows from North Africa, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, detailing their motivations, perilous journeys across the Mediterranean, and the challenges they face in navigating Italy's legal and social systems. It delves into the specific labor markets these new migrants fill, often in precarious and informal economies, and the growing importance of the "badanti" (caregivers) in an aging society.

The book further analyzes the complex process of integration in Italy, examining the challenges and successes within education and religious institutions. It discusses the emergence of mixed families and the second generation, who navigate dual identities and advocate for more inclusive citizenship laws, such as *jus soli*. The impact of technology, particularly digital remittances and social media, in facilitating transnational connections and new forms of diasporic engagement is also explored. Finally, the book looks ahead to the future of mobility, considering the escalating impact of climate change on migration patterns, the role of advanced technologies in border governance, and various policy scenarios ranging from restrictive "Fortress Italy" approaches to more integrated and inclusive models, ultimately arguing that migration continues to redefine Italy's national identity and its place in a globalized world.

What You'll Find Inside:

• The book traces Italy's dual role as both a major sender and receiver of migrants from 1800 to the present, highlighting economic push‑pull factors.
• It examines how chain migration and transnational networks shaped settlement patterns in the Americas, Europe, and within Italy itself.
• Remittances are shown as a vital economic lifeline that funded land, housing, education, and local development in sending regions.
• Internal migrations from the Mezzogiorno to the industrial North transformed Italy's demographic and urban landscape, especially during the postwar boom.
• The work analyzes evolving policy responses, from laissez‑faire emigration controls to EU‑managed asylum and integration frameworks, and their impact on migrants' lives.

Who's It For:

This book will be valuable for students and researchers of migration studies, Italian history, and European sociology; policymakers and practitioners working on immigration, integration, and diaspora engagement; and general readers interested in understanding how movement has shaped Italy’s economy, culture, and national identity.