The Meloni government approved a new anti-immigration bill this week proposing to expand the grounds for revoking residency permits. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi told parliament the changes target violence against law enforcement and detention centre staff, and participation in riots at migrant processing centres.
The 17-article bill also speeds up expulsion procedures for convicted foreigners already in detention, and tightens requirements for special protection status, blocking it for anyone convicted of crimes showing "social dangerousness".
Meloni called on parliament to fast-track the changes, saying on Wednesday that her government had "fulfilled its pledge" to voters.
The bill appears to add two categories: violence or threats against public officials, and disturbing operations at detention centres.
However, the government hasn't published the full text yet, making it difficult to assess what's new. The reference to "crimes showing social dangerousness" is vague and appears likely to give police more discretion when evaluating cases.
Italian residency permits can already be revoked for serious crimes listed under Article 380 of the Penal Code: terrorism, mafia-type association, sexual violence, kidnapping, murder, arms trafficking and drug dealing.
Domestic violence also falls under Article 380, meaning it already provides grounds for revocation - contrary to some reports suggesting this was a new addition.
Permit revocations for criminal convictions under existing law are rare, although not unknown.
In late May, three Moroccan nationals in Bolzano had permits revoked after a fight with other youths. Last year, a 38-year-old Algerian's permit was revoked after he expressed support for Hamas online. In January, a 30-year-old foreign national in Bologna successfully appealed a revocation for stalking his former girlfriend.
When someone is convicted of these crimes, police headquarters don't automatically revoke permits. They weigh the crime's seriousness, the person's character and background, cooperation with authorities, participation in rehabilitation programmes and family ties in Italy.
This bill is part of wider immigration legislation including the government's plan to deploy the navy to block migrant boats from Italian waters and expand the use of its Albania processing centres.
The real question is whether these provisions, once passed, lead to more aggressive enforcement or remain largely symbolic political messaging.
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