Perceptions of Lampedusa as an Immigration Hub: Four Populations in One Small Island Place?

This paper shows how perceptions of the Italian island of Lampedusa have been shaped by people’s experiences with immigration and sometimes divergent perspectives among different population groups, stakeholders, and governance actors. With an eye toward policy applications, the paper argues that immigration has had complex effects on Lampedusa and that the island—as a place co-created by different groups—can play a role in changing perceptions of immigration to Italy and Europe more broadly.