Portrait of Giorgia Meloni
Politician · policy
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Giorgia Meloni on Immigration Policy

Tough on illegal migration (strong) Position evolved

Giorgia Meloni has long advocated for a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal immigrants, seeking to prevent them from reaching Italian ports, often through measures like a naval blockade.

Her approach as Prime Minister has focused on fighting illegal immigration in favor of legal immigration pathways, including pursuing agreements with transit countries like Tunisia.

Meloni has historically used strong language regarding migration, including concerns about 'ethnic substitution,' though her government's official stance has focused more on security and managing flows through international deals.

Timeline

  1. Meloni expressed concern about the danger of 'ethnic substitution' in relation to migration.
  2. Meloni stated she would welcome Venezuelans, citing their Christian faith and frequent Italian origins.
  3. During the election campaign, Meloni campaigned for a halt to illegal immigration through a naval blockade.
  4. As Prime Minister-designate, she differentiated her stance, stating it was time to grant refugee status to those fleeing war, like Ukrainians, and act differently toward others.

Actions Taken

  1. Policy enforcement
    Implemented stricter policies than previous governments regarding the fight against illegal immigration shortly after taking office in October 2022.
  2. Bilateral agreement/EU cooperation
    Worked with EU leaders to sign an agreement with Tunisia aimed at strengthening the economic partnership and, critically, the fight against irregular migration flows.
  3. Policy statement
    Asserted that Europe and Italy need immigration but that only illegal immigration must be fought in favor of legal immigration during the 2023 migration crisis.
  4. Diplomatic action
    Requested the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, visit Lampedusa to personally grasp the situation and accelerate the implementation of the agreement with Tunisia.

Key Quotes

I would welcome **Venezuelans**, they are Christians and often of **Italian** origins.

Various political profiles January 1, 2018 — Stating a preference for specific migrant origins.

It's time to call things by their name, to give refugee status to those fleeing war, women, and children, perhaps doing the opposite with those who aren't refugees.

Social Media Post September 1, 2022 — Differentiating between war refugees and other asylum seekers.

I called immigration to **Italy** 'ethnic substitution'.

Book: Mafia nigeriana January 1, 2017 — Stating a belief about demographic change from migration.

Related Positions

  • Birthright Citizenship Meloni is explicitly opposed to birthright citizenship proposals, which would grant citizenship to foreigners born and living in Italy.
  • Foreign Aid/Africa Policy She blames neo-colonialism for Africa's underdevelopment and seeks cooperation via the Mattei Plan, positioning it as an alternative to perceived exploitation, which links to migration causes.

Criticism

Critics

Some critics describe Giorgia Meloni as xenophobic and Islamophobic due to her strong rhetoric and policies on migration and multiculturalism.

Critics

Her reposting of a graphic video showing the rape of a woman by an asylum seeker drew backlash, with the victim stating she was recognized after the video's publication.