Immigrants strike in Italy on racism

[Jeanfromfillmore]

Demonstrations held in 60 Italian cities
ROME - Thousands of foreign-born workers marched and released yellow balloons into the sky in Italy's first "immigrant strike", which was aimed at underscoring their importance in the economy and protesting government policies.
Immigration is a deeply emotional issue in Italy, which fears a rising tide of migrants from Africa and Eastern Europe are boosting crime and irreparably changing the face of Italian society.
A government crackdown on illegal immigration has proved popular among voters and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi — who accuses the left of wanting an "invasion of foreigners" — has openly said he is against the vision of a multi-cultural Italy.
Faced with a corruption scandal involving aides, Berlusconi has tried to shift the focus back to immigration to gain votes ahead of regional elections this month.
"I went on strike today against the institutional racism that exists in Italy and discriminates against us immigrants. It's time to say 'basta'!" said Edda Pando, a Peruvian in Milan who stayed away from work in a show of protest.
"This country needs to understand that we are indispensable, that we add value."
Demonstrations were held in 60 squares across the country, with immigrants holding aloft yellow balloons and banners with slogans like "What race are you — human or inhuman?" and "Immigrants — Yes, we can". Many also stayed away from work.
Protesters said they were angry at discriminatory laws adopted by Berlusconi's government, like setting a 30 per cent ceiling on non-Italian children in schools. The government has also made it a felony to be an illegal immigrant or to help one.
"I pay my taxes just like all of you, why can't I get the same rights and respect?" one woman told Italian television.
In Rome, African immigrants from the southern town of Rosarno, where the worst racial riots in Italy since World War Two broke out in January, led a procession through the city. In Milan, Arabic lessons were held in Piazza Duomo.
A similar strike was staged in France, while demonstrations were also held in Spain and Greece, organizers said. Several leftist leaders lent their support to the protest, but their view was apparently not shared by most Italians — an informal poll by the Sky Tg24 news channel showed 54 per cent of respondents thought it was wrong for immigrants to strike.
The fiercely anti-immigrant Northern League, a junior ally in Berlusconi's government, said it would respond with a "counter-demonstration" to highlight Italian workers.
"We can't any more allow those who have contributed for generations to this country's growth and now have serious unemployment problems to be penalized in the name of forced integration," said Davide Boni, a League leader in Lombardy.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Imm...375/story.html