Sonny Olumati, a 39-year-old born in Rome but considered Nigerian by the Italian government, embodies the struggle of many immigrants living in the country. Despite being a lifelong resident, he lacks citizenship and his status depends solely on the validity of his residence permit. “Not having citizenship feels like rejection from my own country,” Olumati expressed amid palm trees in a lively Roman park.
Olumati joins others advocating for a "Yes" vote in the upcoming referendum that seeks to reduce the application period for citizenship from ten years to five, an effort to align Italy's policies with the majority of European nations. However, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly opted to boycott the vote, asserting the current citizenship law is adequate. Many of her supporters echo her sentiments, suggesting citizens spend the referendum weekend enjoying leisure activities rather than heading to the polls.
For individuals like Olumati, the referendum represents hope rather than a solution; without citizenship, he is ineligible to participate in the voting process. Fellow advocate Insaf Dimassi, who identifies as “Italian without citizenship,” emphasized the emotional toll of feeling invisible and excluded from the Italian identity even after growing up in the country.
The ongoing debate touches on broader themes surrounding immigration policy in Italy, particularly following increases in migrant arrivals from North Africa. While the government under Meloni has focused on limiting the influx of newcomers, this referendum specifically targets those who have moved to Italy legally for work. The proposed changes aim to streamline the citizenship application process for individuals already working and residing in the country.
Potentially impacting up to 1.4 million long-term residents, the reform would retain existing criteria for citizenship, such as language proficiency and clean criminal records. Advocates argue it is essential to shift perceptions of these residents, integrating them into the fabric of Italian society rather than viewing them as outsiders.
However, the referendum has received limited attention from the media, with Meloni’s administration seemingly disinterested in urging public participation. Analysts suggest this strategy may be intentional, hoping to prevent voter turnout from surpassing the 50% threshold required for the referendum to be valid.
As discussions on citizenship continue across Italy, many are left questioning the social implications of exclusion. Olumati’s personal experience echoes a broader sentiment among numerous residents advocating for recognition and belonging: "Even if the vote doesn't go our way, we will still be here, pushing for our rightful place in this country," he stated, underscoring a commitment to advocating for change regardless of the referendum's outcome.
