Migrations and Borders
Noah Scott
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Italian study guide covers migrations and borders, focusing on global trends and the specific context of Italy. Key topics include defining migrants and refugees, the Syrian refugee crisis, Italy's challenges with immigration and integration, the Italy-Libya deal, and potential solutions. It also provides practice questions and exam tips covering multiple-choice, short-answer, and free-response formats.
#AP Italian Study Guide: Migrations and Borders 🌍
Hey there! Let's get you prepped for the AP Italian exam with a deep dive into migrations and borders. This is a hot topic, so understanding it well can really boost your score. Let's make sure you're not just memorizing facts, but truly understanding the issues.
#1. Global Migration Overview
People move for all sorts of reasons—work, safety, you name it. The UN defines a migrant as anyone moving across international borders or within a state. This movement is a major global issue, with countries grappling with how to respond. Let's break it down:
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Key Terms:
- Migrant: Anyone moving across international borders or within a state.
- Refugee: Someone forced to leave their country due to conflict, persecution, or violence.
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Global Trends:
- Large-scale movements of refugees and migrants are happening worldwide.
- Countries are debating open borders vs. restrictions vs. isolation.
Remember, migration isn't just about numbers; it's about people's stories and experiences.
#The Syrian Refugee Crisis 🇸🇾
- The conflict in Syria has displaced over 12 million people.
- This crisis has significantly increased the number of refugees entering Europe.
#2. Migrations and Borders in Italy
Italy is a major entry point for migrants, and it's facing some serious challenges. Let's take a closer look:
- Immigration in Italy:
- Thousands of migrants enter Italy each year seeking work and safety.
- Many are fleeing dangerous and unstable conditions.
- Politicians often focus on immigration, but the real issue is the economic crisis.
Immigration is a recurring theme in AP Italian, so be ready to discuss its causes and effects.
#Important Facts about Italy:
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Mediterranean Crossings: Over 750,000 migrants have crossed the Mediterranean to Sicily in the past 10 years. 🌊
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Sicily's Situation: Sicily is one of the poorest regions in Europe.

Caption: Refugees arriving on the coast of Libya, often in overcrowded and unsafe boats.
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Asylum Applications: Italy has the 2nd most asylum applications in the EU (after Germany) and the 3rd largest migrant population in Europe.
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Political Landscape:
- LEGA is a political party known for its anti-immigrant stance and racist rhetoric. 🚫
- They have campaigned on promises to deport 500,000 immigrants.
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Italy-Libya Deal: Italy made a $236 million deal with Libya to train and fund their coastguard to divert migrants back to Libya.
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Public Opinion: 54% of Italians view immigrants as a burden; only 12% see them as strengthening the country.
Remember the Italy-Libya deal! It's a key example of how countries are trying to manage migration.
Quick Review: Remember to connect this section to Unit 1: Families and Societies. Migration impacts family structures and social dynamics.
#3. Global Solutions to Migration
The current system for helping displaced people is flawed. Governments often prioritize border control over humanitarian aid, leading to significant issues. Let's look at some potential solutions:
- Current Problems:
- Over 22 million people are displaced worldwide.
- Governments spend billions on border control instead of aid.
- Poorer countries host 86% of all refugees.
- The UN is running low on humanitarian aid funds.
When discussing solutions, think about both short-term (emergency aid) and long-term (integration) strategies.
- Possible Solutions:
- Reinsediare: Resettle people who need it and establish strong refugee systems. ⏮️
- Invest in search and rescue operations to stop deaths at sea.
- Allow people fleeing persecution to cross borders without documentation.
- End human trafficking and exploitation of migrants.
- Governments should not blame immigrants for problems; instead, fight racism and xenofobia.
#4. Solutions in Italy
Italy faces the challenge of integrating immigrants into its society. Here are some solutions being proposed:
- Challenges in Italy:
- Many immigrants enter illegally or struggle to find work.
- Some Italians feel immigrants threaten their culture and way of life.
- Immigration is a central issue in Italian politics, with strong opinions on both sides.
Think of the solutions as a '3-I' approach: Integration, Investment, and Inclusivity.
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Possible Solutions:
- Allow immigrants to apply for cittadinanza, learn the language and culture, and find work. 📓
- Establish programs to integrate immigrants into Italian culture.
- Allow people in danger to enter and give them time to develop stable lives.
- Change people's mentalità – immigrants are saving Italy from a declining population.
- Fix the political system and assign appropriate opinions to those in charge. ⭐

Caption: An Italian refugee camp, highlighting the need for better integration programs.
#5. Final Exam Focus
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's what you really need to focus on for the exam:
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High-Priority Topics:
- The causes and effects of migration.
- Italy's role in the European migration crisis.
- The challenges of integrating immigrants.
- Political and social impacts of immigration.
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Common Question Types:
- Multiple-choice questions on facts and figures about migration.
- Short-answer questions analyzing different viewpoints on immigration.
- Free-response questions requiring you to propose solutions to migration challenges.
Don't just state facts; analyze them. Explain why things are happening and what the consequences are.
- Last-Minute Tips:
- Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later.
- Common Pitfalls: Avoid generalizations. Be specific and provide evidence to support your claims.
- Strategies: When tackling free-response questions, start with a clear thesis statement and use topic sentences to organize your paragraphs.
#6. Practice Questions
Let's solidify your understanding with some practice questions. Remember, the key is to apply what you've learned!
Practice Question
Multiple Choice Questions:
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According to the text, what is a major reason for migration? a) Tourism b) Economic opportunities c) Cultural exchange d) Political stability
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Which political party in Italy is known for its anti-immigrant stance? a) Partito Democratico b) Forza Italia c) LEGA d) Movimento 5 Stelle
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What is a major challenge Italy faces regarding immigration? a) Lack of infrastructure b) High employment rates c) Aging population d) Integration of immigrants
Free Response Question:
Analyze the challenges and potential solutions related to migration in Italy. In your response, consider economic, social, and political factors. Provide specific examples from the text to support your analysis.
Scoring Rubric:
- Thesis Statement (1 point): A clear and concise statement that addresses the prompt.
- Analysis of Challenges (3 points): Discussion of economic, social, and political challenges with specific examples.
- Potential Solutions (3 points): Explanation of realistic solutions with clear reasoning.
- Use of Examples (2 points): Specific examples from the text that support the analysis.
- Organization and Clarity (1 point): Well-organized response with clear and concise language.
You've got this! Remember, the AP Italian exam is a chance to show what you know. Stay calm, stay focused, and you'll do great! 💪
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