In a significant legislative shift, Italy's parliament has approved new regulations regarding citizenship for individuals with Italian ancestry. The modified law stipulates that applicants seeking Italian passports must now provide proof that at least one of their parents or grandparents was an Italian citizen by birth. This move marks a change from the earlier policy under the 'jus sanguinis' principle, which allowed anyone with an Italian ancestor dating back to after March 17, 1861, to apply.
The Italian government justifies the amendments as necessary measures to strengthen the relationship between Italy and its citizens residing abroad. Officials highlighted the urgency of addressing the rising number of citizenship applications, which surged by 40% from 2014 to 2024. As of March, it was reported that over 60,000 citizenship verification cases were pending, prompting the need for streamlined consular services.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that while descendants of Italians will retain the right to pursue citizenship, the new regulations are designed to prevent misuse and the commercialization of Italian passports. The government aims to allocate resources effectively to assist those with authentic ties to the country and enhance the efficiency of consular services.
According to the foreign ministry, these changes underscore the importance of citizenship as a significant responsibility, reinforcing the notion that "citizenship must be a serious thing." As Italy's diaspora continues to grow, the implications of these stricter legislation will likely resonate among those with Italian heritage considering citizenship options.
