Prime Minister Meloni Draws the Line: Italian Citizenship Now Off-Limits for Distant Descendants

Italy has recently implemented substantial amendments to its citizenship laws, significantly narrowing the criteria for eligibility and potentially affecting millions seeking Italian citizenship worldwide by descent. The new law, which has been spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government and passed by Parliament this week, now permits citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) only through individuals with at least one Italian parent or grandparent. This stands in stark contrast to the prior law, which permitted individuals to claim citizenship through great-grandparents or, potentially, even more distant ancestors.

 

Individuals must now also show proficiency in the Italian language, which was a prior requirement only for those seeking naturalization through residency or marriage. The government argues that the changes are intended to enhance the Italian connection to its foreign citizenship and avoid the potential misuse or commodification of Italian passports, while improving consular operations.

 

This setback is a disappointing development for the estimated 80 million people worldwide with Italian ancestry, many of whom have already expended time and money into the citizenship process. Those who can trace their lineage to great-grandparents will be left with the sole option of citizenship by long-term legal residency (which remains a difficult process and is currently the subject of an imminent referendum). On June 8 and 9, Italians will vote on the potential alteration of the residency requirement for non-EU citizens from ten years to five years, which the government does not support and is likely to fail.

 

The new law has led to disappointment and frustration among the affected individuals, as many note that this change has disrupted their plans and can also potentially inhibit population growth in Italy. Legal challenges are anticipated; notwithstanding, experts predict that any potential reversal of the law will take years.

 

Source: Mint