Italy's parliament has adopted a tough law which makes illegal immigration a criminal offence punishable by heavy fines and immediate expulsion. A controversial measure in the law allows for citizens' groups to mount patrols to help police.

Under the new law, anyone caught housing an illegal immigrant could face a jail term. Parents registering a baby's birth have to present papers to show they are legal residents.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi had made tougher immigration rules a cornerstone of the election campaign that saw him returned to power in May 2008. The new measure was particularly sought by the rightwing Northern League, part of Mr Berlusconi's coalition. The Italian government believes the law will halt the flow of immigrants into the country and reduce crime, which Mr Berlusconi sees as being intrinsically linked to the rise in the number of immigrants.

The European Commission announced it would examine the new measures to determine whether they comply with EU norms, warning that automatic expulsion for all categories of immigrants is not acceptable. The Vatican and human rights groups are opposed to the new law.

Photo of Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi by rogimmi (Flickr)