On Friday, March 28, 2025, the Italian government approved a decree-law imposing new restrictions on the transmission of citizenship by right of blood, also known as “jus sanguinis.” This significant reform is a response to the soaring number of citizenship applications from descendants of Italian citizens, particularly in countries like Brazil and Argentina, where large Italian immigrant communities exist.
The Vice-Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, stated that the primary aim of the reform is to combat the “abusos” of the current system while strengthening genuine ties between Italian citizens abroad and Italy. "The nationality cannot be an instrument to be able to travel to Miami with a European passport,” Tajani emphasized in an interview with Corriere Della Sera.
Under the new law, citizenship will now only be granted to direct descendants of Italians who have a parent or grandparent born in Italy. This change marks a substantial tightening of the previous regulations, which allowed anyone with proof of Italian ancestry dating back to March 17, 1861 to apply for citizenship, regardless of the number of generations removed.
The new restrictions were deemed necessary as the number of citizenship applications surged in recent years. According to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, consulates in Brazil recognized more than 14,000 citizenships in 2022, a figure that increased to 20,000 in 2024. In Argentina, applications rose from 20,000 in 2023 to 30,000 in 2024. This influx has led to long queues and extended waiting times at Italian consulates, prompting the government to implement measures to improve the efficiency and quality of consular services.
Organizations advocating for the rights of Italian descendants express concern that the new law may adversely affect more distant descendants who seek to reconnect with their roots. Critics argue that the decision undermines the cultural and historical connections that many individuals have with Italy. Luiz Scarpelli, an Italian-Brazilian lawyer specializing in citizenship issues, criticized the law as a regressive step, stating, "The new law will cut the cultural and historical bond of Italy with the entire world. Together with lawyers operating within the law in Italy, we will fight up to the Italian Supreme Courts to reverse this unconstitutional law." Scarpelli also warned that great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who failed to submit their applications by 11:59 PM on March 27, 2025, would have lost their theoretical right to Italian citizenship.
Despite the backlash, the Italian government maintains that the new law is crucial for preserving the integrity of the citizenship process. Tajani asserted that the reforms aim to value genuine and lasting ties between citizens abroad and Italy. He noted that the number of descendants of Italians in South America has dramatically increased over the past two decades, from 800,000 to two million, further underscoring the need for these changes.
Additionally, the law includes provisions that, if approved by Parliament, would require Italians born or residing in Italy to demonstrate their connection to the country every 25 years to maintain their citizenship. This aspect of the reform aims to ensure that citizenship is not merely a formality but a reflection of an active and engaged relationship with the nation.
In light of these developments, many are questioning the future of Italian citizenship for those who do not meet the new criteria. While the government argues that the changes will alleviate pressure on consulates and focus on individuals with a stronger connection to Italy, the implications for those with more distant ancestry remain uncertain.
As the Italian government moves forward with these reforms, it is essential for potential applicants to understand the new landscape of citizenship eligibility. Scarpelli pointed out that those who have already obtained citizenship through their great-grandparents or great-great-grandparents will not be affected by the new law, as their citizenship is considered an acquired right.
With an estimated 500,000 Brazilians of Italian descent currently seeking citizenship, the demand for Italian passports remains high, fueled by political and economic crises in Brazil that drive many to seek alternatives for life abroad. Scarpelli noted, "Every time there’s a presidential change in Brazil, regardless of the party, we see a rush of Brazilians applying for citizenship to secure options for living overseas.”
The Italian government's new citizenship law marks a significant shift in how citizenship is granted, emphasizing direct lineage and potentially altering the landscape for millions of descendants of Italians around the world. As the law awaits parliamentary confirmation, the broader implications of this decree will undoubtedly be felt across the globe, particularly in countries with large Italian communities.
In conclusion, while the Italian government aims to streamline the citizenship process and reinforce connections with its citizens abroad, the changes raise important questions about identity, heritage, and the future of Italian citizenship for many who have long sought to reclaim their familial ties to Italy.
