Milan is enacting policies to support migrants even as the national government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, attempts to restrict immigration, creating a stark contrast in approaches within Italy.
The city’s efforts were highlighted by Diletta Tanzini, a protection field officer with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), who works at Milan’s central train station assisting newly arrived migrants. Tanzini described providing aid to individuals arriving after arduous journeys, including crossings from the Balkans and perilous sea voyages from Africa. Many arrive with few possessions, seeking shelter and assistance navigating the Italian system.
The IRC and other organizations are providing support at Casa dell’accoglienza Enzo Jannacci, a center offering shelter to both migrants and Italians in require. The center assists migrants with asylum claims, healthcare enrollment, and school registration for their children, aiming to facilitate integration into Italian society, according to Anna Pepe, the center’s director.
This local support stands in opposition to the national government’s strategy. Lamberto Bertole, Milan City Council’s health and welfare commissioner, criticized the Meloni government’s policies, including funding for Libyan and Tunisian coast guards to intercept migrant boats. Bertole argued that attempting to halt migration is “myopic” and that a more pragmatic approach is needed.
Bertole contends that restricting legal pathways to immigration forces people to take dangerous, clandestine routes and pushes migrants into the informal economy, depriving the state of potential tax revenue. He believes the current political climate fuels a “vicious circle” of fear and border closures.
Leila, a Nigerian woman seeking asylum in Milan, recounted her years-long journey to Europe, including five years in Germany where she was pursuing nursing training before fearing deportation. She described the pain of striving for a better life only to face the possibility of being sent back to her home country. She and her eight-year-old son now hope to build a modern life in Milan, seeking integration and opportunities for education and employment.
The Milan city council has granted rare access to journalists to observe the work at Casa dell’accoglienza Enzo Jannacci, showcasing programs designed to help migrants become self-sufficient and contribute to Italian society. These programs include art classes and language training, providing a space for migrants to connect and develop skills.
As of February 23, 2026, the situation remains unresolved, with the city of Milan continuing to provide support to migrants despite the national government’s efforts to limit immigration. The long-term implications of this divergence in policy remain to be seen.
