Italian citizenship law may be changing, and many believe it has been a long time coming.
In Italy, nearly 1.3 million children born to immigrant parents lack citizenship rights despite calling Italy their home. This startling statistic underscores the urgency of Italy’s upcoming citizenship referendum, which could reshape the nation’s approach to naturalization.
For decades, Italy’s citizenship laws have been a subject of intense debate and controversy. The country’s current policy, based on the principle of jus sanguinis or “right of blood,” was established in 1992 when Italy was primarily a country of emigration. However, as Italy has become a destination for immigrants, this law has been criticized for creating a significant population of long-term residents and Italian-born individuals who lack full citizenship rights while favoring those born abroad of Italian descent.
This has led to calls for reform, particularly in light of Italy’s changing demographics and the challenges faced by second-generation immigrants. Against this backdrop, a citizenship referendum sponsored by Riccardo Magi of +Europa has gained significant momentum, reaching half a million signatures. This proposed change aims to amend Article 9 of the current citizenship law (91/1992), potentially reshaping Italy’s approach to naturalization.
Updated Timeframes for Naturalization Proposed
The referendum’s primary goal is to halve the required period of legal residence in Italy from ten to five years for those applying for Italian citizenship. This change is significant, as Italy’s current ten-year requirement is one of the most stringent in Europe. The proposed five-year period would bring Italy’s naturalization requirement in line with most other European countries, addressing a long-standing point of criticism.
For comparison, Germany recently reduced its residency requirement to five years, while France requires five years, and Spain generally requires ten years but only two for citizens of certain countries with historical ties to Spain.
Once obtained, this citizenship would automatically be passed on to the applicant’s minor children. This proposal represents a significant departure from the current law, which has been in place for over three decades.
Current Law vs. Proposed Changes
Under the current law, individuals born to Italian citizens automatically acquire citizenship at birth, regardless of where they are born. However, children born in Italy to non-Italian parents are not vested with Italian citizenship at birth.
While there are facilitated pathways for foreigners of Italian descent, the situation differs for those categorized as “foreigners” by law. Presently, a foreign-born individual in Italy can apply for citizenship only after residing legally and continuously in the country until reaching adulthood, and must declare their intention to acquire citizenship within one year of turning 18.
The human impact of these laws is significant. Take, for example, the case of Khaby Lame, TkTok’s most followed creator. Having moved with his parents from Senegal to Italy at the age of one, he has said he “always felt Italian.” Despite living almost his entire life in Italy, speaking fluent Italian, and considering himself culturally Italian, Lame faced bureaucratic hurdles and uncertainty about his status, only finally becoming Italian in 2022.
Widespread Support and Opposition
The referendum has garnered support from various political entities, including Possibile, Radicali Italiani, the Italian Socialist Party, and Rifondazione Comunista, along with numerous associations. The campaign received a significant boost when renowned personalities joined the cause, including Julio Velasco, Zerocalcare, Alessandro Barbero, Roberto Saviano, Ghali, and Malika Ayane.
However, the proposal also faces opposition from conservative parties who argue that easier access to citizenship could lead to increased immigration and potential security risks. They contend that the current system ensures that only those truly integrated into Italian society become citizens.
Comparison with Other Citizenship Proposals
This proposal is not the only change that has been floated for Italian citizenship in recent years. Two other contenders are jus soli and jus scholae.
While jus soli would give citizenship to those born in Italy (affecting about 500,000 people annually), jus scholae applies to those completing a five-year course of study in Italy (impacting around 135,000 people per year).
In comparison, the +Europa proposal encompasses individuals who have legally resided in Italy for at least five years and their minor children, potentially affecting 2.5 million people.
| Proposal | Target Group | Estimated Impact |
| Referendum | Legal residents (five+ years) and their children | 2.5 million people |
| Jus Soli | Those born in Italy | 500,000 people/year |
| Jus Scholae | Those completing five-year study in Italy | 135,000 people/year |
Unchanged Requirements for Naturalization
Besides the proposed reduction in residency requirements, other existing criteria for citizenship would remain unchanged. These include Italian language proficiency, evidence of sufficient income in recent years, a clean criminal record, adherence to tax obligations, and the absence of any security concerns related to the Italian Republic.
How Does the Referendum Affect Italian Citizenship by Descent?
This referendum does not affect Italian citizenship jure sanguinis in any way. Those seeking to obtain Italian citizenship by descent are still invited to apply for recognition.
Economic Implications
The economic impact of this change could be substantial. Granting citizenship to long-term residents and their children could lead to better job opportunities and increased economic participation. According to a study by the Bank of Italy, full integration of immigrants into the labor market could increase Italy’s GDP by up to 1.5%.
Next Steps
The next steps for this referendum include a Constitutional Court review of admissibility expected in January, with a possible vote in the spring. If passed, this change would bring Italy more in line with other European regulations. For instance, Germany passed a law in early 2024 that coincides with the demands of this referendum, establishing a five-year residency period for obtaining citizenship.
The question that citizens will read on the ballot will be: “Do you want to repeal Article 9, paragraph 1, letter b), limited to the words ‘adopted by an Italian citizen’ and ‘subsequent to adoption’; as well as letter f), bearing the following provision: ‘(f) to the foreigner who has been legally residing for at least ten years in the territory of the Republic.’, of Law No. 91 of February 5, 1992, bearing new norms on citizenship?”
Conclusion
Italy stands at a crossroads with this referendum. The proposed changes could significantly impact the lives of millions of long-term residents and their children, potentially fostering greater integration and economic participation.
However, the debate remains contentious, reflecting broader discussions about national identity and immigration across Europe. As Italy moves towards the referendum, the outcome will not only shape the future of many individuals but also signal Italy’s stance on citizenship and integration in the 21st century.
For more information, interested parties can visit https://referendumcittadinanza.it/ or check the Ministry of the Interior website.
Biography: Audra De Falco is a dual US-Italian national and director of citizenship by descent for Latitude.
