Italians Show Magnificent Demonstration of Solidarity for Migrants and Asylum Seekers

      overwhelmingly this was a grassroots demonstration, offering an inspirational example of solidarity between Italians non-Italians and regular and irregular migrants

     On Saturday 19 January, more then 150 000 people took to the streets of Rome to protest against the new immigration law proposed by Bossi and Fini, far-right partners in Italy's coalition government.

     Migrants and Italians came together from all over Italy to say 'No to Racism', to demand 'Equal Rights for All' and to point out that while the majority of migrants worked with Italians, paid the same taxes as Italians, sent their children to school with Italian children, and were a part of Italian society - they are not treated the same.

     This new law proposed extends from 30 to 60 days the period of time people can be held while police try to identify them and issue travel documents so that they can be deported as quickly as possible. It also links residence permits very tightly to work, so that if someone loses their job, their residence permit lapses too. It further penalises asylum seekers and pushes aside an asylum bill that has been stalled in the labyrinthine legislative process for almost 4 years. 

     At the moment, under a sponsorship scheme, it is possible for people to enter Italy for a year to look for work. The new law would abolish this scheme and only those who have a contract from an Italian employer would be allowed to enter. Already, loud objections are being heard, not just from migrant communities and their supporters, but also from employers, who are facing serious labour shortages.

     Having gathered in Piazza della Repubblica at 3.00pm, the march moved off at 3.45 and took 3 hours to reach Piazza Navona via Piazza Vittorio where many of the migrant communities work and live. The centre of the city was brought to a complete standstill, and few in Rome could have remained unaware of the anger directed at the bill, or of the solidarity between migrants, asylum seekers and Italians (and others - the Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers from the UK, was also there with a banner).

     What made this demonstration different from other recent demonstrations in Rome, was that this was not organised by the Democratic Left or Rifondazione Comunista or the Trade Unions. The organisers were SenzaConfine (No Borders) and though there were people from the left parties, the trade unions and public figures such as writers and intellectuals present, overwhelmingly this was a grassroots demonstration, offering an inspirational example of solidarity between Italians non-Italians and regular and irregular migrants.

     Prior to the demonstration, estimates ranged from 30-50,000. Instead, 150,000 marched and stood together against a divisive and racist government.

    Perhaps one day soon, we will see the same kind of mobilisation in London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Amsterdam, Washington, Brussels, Canberra, Vienna, Ottawa, Athens, Dublin, Wellington, Lisbon, Helsinki, Oslo etc.