The United States is not the only country engaged in the emotionally charged debate over immigration. The issue remains volatile in many parts of the world -- particularly in Europe, where economic hard times are exacerbating old tensions.

　　Amid Rome’s many architectural splendors sits an unassuming doorway. It leads to a counseling center for immigrants, run by the Catholic Church. These people, some from the European Union and some from elsewhere, have been hit by the economic crisis. Some face unemployment without government aid, and some will have to return to their home countries.

　　To make matters worse, they face the anger of many in Italy and other European countries: they are blamed for continuing high unemployment among local citizens and other economic problems.

　　At the church-sponsored Migration Study Center, Father Rene Manenti knows the problem well.

　　"Every time there is a crisis, it’s easier to point the finger at the immigrants for a simple reason. If we point the finger at ourselves, then it’s going to be our fault. ‘I am responsible for that.’ If I point the finger at them, they are responsible. So, it’s not me, it’s them," he explained.

　　在罗马的诸多建筑奇观中，有一座不太起眼的大门，它通往天主教堂的移民咨询中心。这些人有的来自欧盟，有的来自其他地方，都遭受了经济危机的打击。有的失了业，又没有政府救助，还有人不得不返回本国。

　　更糟糕的是，意大利和欧洲其他国家的人对他们感到不满，说他们导致当地居民失业率继续上升等经济问题。

　　在教堂主办的移民研究中心， Rene Manenti神父对此再熟悉不过了。

　　“每次出现危机，人们就会指责移民，如果他们责备我们，那就是说是我们的过错。‘我对此负有责任。’如果我指责他们，他们就有责任。所以不怪我，怪他们。”