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Italy agrees tough reforms to crack down on migrant criminals
Last updated at 22:00pm on 23.07.08
Blame: Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says immigrants are behind a large percentage of Italy's crimes
Italy's parliament has approved legal reforms that will make it easier to expel foreigners and confiscate property rented to illegal migrants.
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi blames immigrants for a large percentage of crimes.
Among the items covered in the proposed law is a fast-track scheme to expel foreigners, which will replace the current lengthy bureaucratic process.
Those who are in Italy illegally will also face heavier sentences if convicted of crimes.
The conservative premier issued many of the measures by decree shortly after taking office in May but needed parliamentary approval to convert them into law.
The reforms will also make it easier to seize Mafia assets and see tougher penalties for drink-drivers introduced.
