**Citizenship Referendum Sparks Intense Division in Italy**

The impending Italian citizenship referendum is pitting citizens against each other, as significant portions of the populace demand reform, while government figures assert the current laws are satisfactory, revealing the deeper roots of immigrant identity in Italy.

In Italy, a national referendum set for Sunday and Monday is provoking intense debates about the definition of citizenship and who it includes. The proposed change seeks to reduce the citizenship application period from ten years to five, a reform that advocates argue would align Italy with other European nations. Notably, Sonny Olumati, a 39-year-old dancer and activist born in Rome, embodies the struggle many face - despite his lifelong residency, he is still deemed a Nigerian citizen because he lacks formal citizenship.

The referendum has attracted support from a range of individuals who believe it could significantly impact approximately 1.4 million long-term foreign residents, many of whom contribute economically and culturally to Italy. Activists like Olumati express frustration over their status; he comments, "Not having citizenship is like…being rejected from your country."

Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s right-wing prime minister, and many of her coalition partners have publicly dismissed the referendum, highlighting that they consider Italian citizenship laws already generous enough. Meloni even announced her decision to boycott the vote, framing the current system as "excellent" and "very open." Critics, however, perceive this as an attempt to undermine the vote's significance, particularly when a valid referendum requires participation from over half of the electorate.

While the push for reform is focused on those who have legally immigrated to Italy for work, the government has dedicated limited resources to discussing the referendum, leaving advocates arguing for change without a substantial opposition campaign. This has led to concerns about voter turnout, which, without significant public engagement, could flop under the weight of under-representation.

The citizenship issue has further gained complexity due to Italy’s ongoing struggles with immigration, particularly from North Africa. Meloni’s administration has made promises to reduce migrant arrivals, yet the reform stands distinct in targeting legal residents already embedded in Italian society.

Carla Taibi, a liberal party member aligned with proponents of the change, emphasizes that the proposed reform maintains existing requirements for citizenship, including language proficiency and good character, despite reducing waiting periods. Opposition figures, particularly from the far-right, express fears that such reforms could dilute Italian identity, further complicating the dialogue around the notion of "foreign" residents in Italy.

The profiles of individuals like Insaf Dimassi, who has lived in Italy since infancy, highlight the emotional toll being "citizen-less" creates. Her path to citizenship reflects an arduous journey delayed by bureaucratic hurdles, despite her deep ties to the Italian community.

As momentum builds for the referendum on citizenship amid the backdrop of shifting political currents, many find themselves advocating for inclusion in a country where their identity has often been defined by law and residency status. Amid dwindling public support and resources, activists like Olumati remain resolute, stating, "Even if they vote 'No', we will stay here - and think about the next steps."

In summary, the upcoming referendum encapsulates a broader conversation on identity and belonging in contemporary Italy, raising critical questions about what citizenship truly means in a nation grappling with its past and future immigration policies.