Asylum seekers’ experiences on the migration journey to Italy (and beyond): Risk factors and future planning within a shifting political landscape

Images of desperate migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea often encapsulate Italy's role in global migration, yet a variety of political developments – including the closing of Italian ports to humanitarian ships since 2018 – highlight a political landscape that is increasingly opposed to newcomers. This study utilises survey‐based, quantitative interviews with 810 asylum seekers in Lombardy, conducted in 2017 and 2018, to better understand the impacts of recent political shifts. Findings show that the journey is becoming more dangerous, and that extremely adverse conditions are experienced across a range of categories. Data also suggest that despite the high rates of victimisation and growing anti‐migration sentiment, migrants plan to remain in Italy and would most likely make the same choices. Moving forward, these preliminary data emphasise the need for additional research – perhaps made possible with new communication technologies – and long‐term strategic responses, rather than short‐term ‘emergency’ planning.