Abstract
This study examines the effect of evoking the Italian emigration past on attitudes towards new arrivals. By bringing memories and emotions into dialogue within the context of migration studies, the study seeks to clarify whether and how emotions linked to family histories of emigration are connected to perceptions of immigration in Italy today. The results show that evoking emigration memories can be a first step in fostering a more positive attitude towards immigrants; however, it cannot be said that there is a direct connection between these two elements. The study highlights the need to broaden the debate on memories of Italian emigration and on the analogies that can be established with today’s immigration, in order to develop greater empathy towards those arriving in the country.