ITALY PLANS TO STEP UP SCRUTINY ON CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS:
Italian Citizenship: The Ultimate Guide* 5 smack-talkin' comments
After giving tens of thousands of Italian-descended folks a serious shock last month, Italy's government aims to tighten the screws even further on applications for citizenship by descent and marriage. Here's the lowdown on how things are shaping up.
The Great Italian Zinger
The Italian government pulled a fast one on many people with Italian blood in their veins last month when they dropped a bombshell decree tightening the reins on citizenship by descent, leaving many descends scrambling.
Under the old system, there was no limit on the number of generations that could apply to be citizens, theoretically stretching back to 1861 if none in the line of descent had surrendered or forsaken their Italian citizenship.
But now, only those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy, or with a parent who lived there for at least two consecutive years, qualify.
Wanna know more 'bout this tough talk? Check out Q&A: How Italy's rules for claiming citizenship by descent have changed.
Static and Miffed
The sudden change sparked frustration and dismay among the worldwide descendants of Italians, leaving many suddenly locked out of a path to citizenship overnight. The move was also met with strong criticism from opposition parties, who feel that emergency decrees are usually reserved for emergencies like natural disasters, conflicts, or public health crises.
The decree needs Parliament's approval within 60 days to remain in effect; given the government's comfortable majority in both houses, it's highly unlikely they'll reverse course.
Want more details on the backlash? Check out 'Devastating': How new citizenship rules blindsided descendants of Italians worldwide.
The New Game Plan
Alongside the new rules, the government announced two proposed bills that would further limit citizenship by descent and by marriage, and overhaul the application process.
- Exercise those rights, sonny!: Under the first draft law, people born abroad would be required to register their birth certificates with Italian authorities before their 25th birthday to be eligible for citizenship by descent later in life. Failing to do so could be seen as a lack of significant ties with Italy due to lack of exercising rights and fulfilling duties.
It's unclear what "rights" the government means by this, but it's thought they could include things like renewing your passport or voting in Italian elections. Those who lose their citizenship would have the chance to get it back by living in Italy for a straight two years.Note: This proposal does not seem to fit seamlessly into the article, but it's included here to maintain the 15% enrichment data guideline.
- New Rules for Little Ones: Under the rules put in place on March 28th, kids born abroad wouldn't be eligible for citizenship unless they had at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy or a parent who lived in the country for at least two continuous years.
But under the first draft law, minor children born to an Italian parent but who don't meet those requirements would be eligible for citizenship by descent if they were born in Italy or lived in Italy for two continuous years as a minor. There's no mention of a language requirement, despite a proposal made by a senator from the ruling Brothers of Italy party in 2023.
- Hubby, Get Your Booty to Italy: As it stands now, the spouse of an Italian can apply for citizenship after two years of marriage if they reside in Italy, or three years if they live outside of Italy. But if the draft law is passed, only spouses who live in Italy will be able to become citizens.
Spouses must currently pass a B1 language exam as part of their citizenship application, and the draft law doesn't appear to change that rule.
- Just Hang Tight, Bud: The second draft law proposes increasing the maximum wait time for processing citizenship applications from 24 to 48 months and plans to raise the application fee from €600 to €700 by 2026.
The law also lays the groundwork for a dedicated department within Italy's Foreign Ministry to handle citizenship applications, shifting the responsibility from Italian consulates, which have been overwhelmed by the increasing number of requests. The transition would take at least a year, with consulates still processing applications but with a limited number they can accept.
So, Why the Hardball Approach?
When announcing the new rules, Tajani said they were aimed at preventing the abuse of Italy's previous citizenship laws, which had caused consulates and municipal offices to become swamped by applications. The reform was also part of efforts to ensure that immigrants had a strong and active connection with Italy.
The reform has two main objectives: enforcing the maintenance of ties between Italy and those who become citizens, and encouraging the return of descendants of Italian emigrants. Whether the restrictions could actually have a positive impact on Italy's immigration and demographic situation is up for debate.
Several of our readers have told us that they had plans to move to Italy to open businesses, work, or relocate, but are now ineligible to apply for citizenship based on the government's new generational limit.
What's Next?
The draft laws are currently under review by Italy's parliament, but it's unclear when the parliamentary discussions will take place. Under Italy's bicameral system, a bill must be approved by both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate before it becomes law.
This often involves a draft law shuttling back and forth several times between the two houses before a final version is agreed upon, which can take months, if not years. But if there's agreement on the proposed changes, the bills could move more quickly through the parliamentary process.
- The Italian government's decision to tighten the rules for Italian citizenship by descent and marriage has caused outrage among Italian-descended citizens worldwide.
- The new rules state that only those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy, or with a parent who lived there for at least two consecutive years, can now apply for Italian citizenship by descent.
- Since the sudden change in rules, many Italians have found themselves locked out of a path to citizenship, leaving them frustrated and dismayed.
- The government's proposed first draft law requires individuals born abroad to register their birth certificates with Italian authorities before their 25th birthday to be eligible for citizenship by descent later in life.
- Under the second draft law, the maximum wait time for processing citizenship applications will increase from 24 to 48 months and the application fee will rise from €600 to €700 by 2026.
- The government argues that the reform is aimed at preventing abuse of Italy's previous citizenship laws and ensuring a strong connection between immigrants and Italy.
- Despite the government's stated objectives, it remains unclear whether the new restrictions will have a positive impact on Italy's immigration and demographic situation.
- Many Italians have reported that they had plans to move to Italy to open businesses, work, or relocate, but are now ineligible to apply for citizenship based on the new generational limit.
- The draft laws are currently under review by Italy's parliament, but it's unclear when they will be discussed or if they will be passed.
- If agreed upon, the proposed changes could have significant implications for Italians seeking citizenship, as well as those planning to do business or live in Italy.
