The essay analyzes the phenomenon of migration in his role as a structural component of the Italian labor market. Despite the negative effects of the crisis, the contribution of foreign labor has to be considered as a valuable resource to restart the competitiveness of enterprises and to develop the productivity of the economic system. Through an analysis of the regulatory framework currently in force - also in the light of the most recent legislative changes – the Author highlights some of the main critical issues of discipline on immigrant labor and reports the possible paths of reform to be included in the political agenda of the new government.