DYING ALONE:

Italy struggles with immigration and aging (Elisabetta Povoledo, June 22, 2008, NY Times)

It is an everyday symbol, touching almost, of Italy's troubled demographics: an older Italian out for some air, at times arm in arm with an immigrant aide. The aides often are not here legally but have been tolerated because they do work few Italians do: care for the nation's rapidly aging population.

But much as Italy is growing older, it is also more worried about crime.

And in the eyes of many Italians, for whom immigration is a relatively new phenomenon, immigrants also have a central role in this. Under a law proposed by the far right wing of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's new government, it would become a felony offense to come to Italy illegally, punishable by prison.

Combine retirement homes with prisons and you're all set.

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 22, 2008 4:43 PM