Berlusconi's immigrant crackdown becomes law

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi won parliamentary approval yesterday for a law-and-order package of reforms that takes aim at illegal immigrants whom his government blames for much of Italy's crime.

Among the items covered in the law, ranging from mob crimes to drunk driving, is a measure making it easier to expel foreigners. Another provision allows authorities to confiscate property rented to illegal immigrants.

Illegal immigrants in Italy also face heavier sentences if convicted of crimes.

The conservative prime minister issued many of the measures by decree shortly after taking office in May, declaring "citizens have a fundamental right not to be afraid". He needed parliamentary approval to convert them into law.

"The left, more than once, has claimed there is no relationship between immigration and criminality," said Sandro Mazzatorta of the anti-immigrant Northern League party, speaking on the floor of the senate.

"Foreigners committed 60 per cent of the attempted homicides, 60 per cent of the robberies, 82 per cent of the muggings," he added, referring to 2007 data for the northern city of Brescia.

Mr Berlusconi's legislation included a provision that allows soldiers to patrol the streets along with police.