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Italy Is Getting Some Help Dealing With The Influx Of Migrants

The European Union is giving Italy almost $40 million to help with the influx of asylum-seekers.
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Italy can't keep up with the influx of asylum-seekers appearing on its shore — so the European Union is helping out.

The European Commission is giving Italy nearly $40 million after the United Nations and Rome called on the EU to help with the growing migrant crisis.

Italy accused the EU of turning a blind eye to the tens of thousands of migrants crossing the Mediterranean seeking asylum. The U.N. estimates over 2,000 people have died making the journey so far this year.

The boost in funds comes as tensions over asylum-seekers escalate throughout Europe. 

Italy's neighbor to the north, Austria, says it's ready to tighten controls at the border if the flow of migrants becomes too much. But Austria's chancellor said the country hasn't reached that point quite yet.

Just under 84,000 migrants have arrived in Italy so far this year. Many migrants making the journey are fleeing war and persecution.

Along with the additional funding, the commission issued a list of suggested steps to help ease the crisis.