The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Strasbourg

Europe's hardening attitudes toward immigration found a voice in the EU Parliament Wednesday, as legislators passed controversial new rules for expelling illegals amid a widening crackdown in the United States.

As the global economy slows, governments in rich countries are coming under increased pressure to act tough on immigration. While the European rules do not lay the groundwork for workplace raids like in America, they do contain contentious measures such as providing for long detention periods. The wealthy European Union has seen a spike in tensions with immigrants: Italians blame foreigners for a rise in crime, France is grappling with violence in immigrant-heavy communities, and Belgium has come under criticism for its treatment of foreigners in detention centers.