On July 11, 2001 the Italian senate approved the Bossi-Fini Immigration law, which replaced the Turco-Napolitano pact. The law was seen as a zero tolerance bill to make immigration into the country much more difficult than it was previously. It was drafted in order to help curb the large amount of illegal immigrants sneaking into ItalyÕs borders. The law introduced the points concerning: fingerprinting for immigrants requesting a stay permit or renewal; the abolition of sponsors; a stay permit of two years upon presentation of a job contract; more power for the Navy in fighting the arrival of ships carrying illegal immigrants; the ability for families to join immigrants in Italy; and reduced sentences for drivers of boats carrying illegal immigrants on condition that they cooperate in investigations. A two-year stay will only be given to a person that already possesses a job contract. If an immigrant stays in the country without employment, he must return to his home country. Stay cards are only given to immigrants who have remained in Italy for five or six years. Fingerprints will then be taken for a stay permit or its renewal. Any foreigner without a stay permit will be expelled from the country. If he has no documents he will be taken to a shelter for 60 days, and in that time authorities will work to identify him. If not identifiable, the immigrant has 3 days to leave the country. Once expelled, he cannot re-enter the country without permission or he will be committing a criminal offense, which was the newly added stipulation to the Bossi-Fini law that caused people to raise eyebrows over the strict terms. A non-EU citizen with the correct documents is permitted to bring his family to Italy, including his wife and any children under 18. Any child over 18 without a confirmed guardian or means of support can also enter the country. Parents of the immigrants, if over 65 and without any means of support can also enter the country. -Information found on www.immigrantscentre.com