The challenges of second generation immigrants in Italy: A comparative analysis between Italian immigrants in the United States and Egyptian immigrants in Ital

Italy, a traditional nation state with a long history of emigration, is currently at a cross-road as it faces an immigration crisis. This comparative analysis between Italian immigrants in the U.S., during the late nineteenth century, and Egyptian immigrants in Italy, during the late twentieth century, is meant to illustrate how Italy could utilize its firsthand experience as an emigrant country to tackle its current immigration problems. Differences emerge in the comparison highlighting three problems which currently impede the integration of second generation immigrants in Italy. The first two problems, the Italian government's approach and the jus sanguinis citizenship laws, can be attenuated, if not solved, by legislative action from the Italian government. The third problem, the Islamic religion, lacks an immediate solution because of its international dimensions. The future integration of second generation immigrants in Italy is dependent upon the way in which Italy confronts these three problems.