Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules for Italian Descendants

The Italian parliament has enacted a new law that alters the requirements for individuals with Italian heritage to secure citizenship. This decision aims to strengthen ties between Italy and its citizens abroad, while also addressing the growing backlog of citizenship applications.

Italy has recently implemented stricter regulations regarding citizenship for individuals with Italian ancestry. Historically, descendants of Italians who lived after March 17, 1861, could easily apply for citizenship under the 'jus sanguinis' principle, which grants citizenship based on descent. However, the recently ratified law mandates that applicants must now demonstrate that at least one of their parents or grandparents was an Italian citizen by birth.

The Italian government justified its decision by expressing a desire to strengthen the connection between Italy and its global citizens while preventing potential misuse and commercialization of the citizenship process. Over the past decade, the number of individuals of Italian descent residing abroad has surged, increasing from approximately 4.6 million in 2014 to an estimated 6.4 million by 2024. In tandem with this rise, there has been a significant backlog in citizenship applications; as of March 2023, there were over 60,000 pending cases.

The foreign ministry has indicated that the intention behind the new law is to optimize consular services, ensuring that they cater primarily to those with a legitimate connection to Italy. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that while legitimate descendants will continue to have opportunities for citizenship, clear limits are necessary to prevent misuse of the process. He remarked, "Citizenship must be a serious thing," underlining the importance of maintaining the integrity of the citizenship application system.

These changes reflect Italy's ongoing efforts to manage its growing diaspora and address administrative challenges while reinforcing the concept of citizenship as a serious commitment rooted in a concrete connection to the nation.