In response to a surge in citizenship applications, Italy's government has tightened the eligibility criteria for Italian citizenship, now restricting it to individuals with Italian parents or grandparents. This decree aims to reduce the congestion in courts and consulates caused by a growing number of applicants tied loosely to Italy.
Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules Amid Application Surge
Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules Amid Application Surge
New regulations limit citizenship to those with direct Italian heritage as applications flood the system.
Article text: For decades, individuals of Italian descent have been able to trace their ancestry, seek out their Italian relatives, and apply for citizenship, thus acquiring a passport that ranks as one of the most powerful in terms of visa-free travel. However, this influx of applications has led to significant backlogs in Italy's courts, consulates, and municipal offices, severely affecting their operational efficiency.
In light of this situation, the Italian government has enacted stricter citizenship regulations. A decree announced recently now limits the eligibility for Italian citizenship exclusively to those individuals who can provide proof of having Italian parents or grandparents. This new policy cancels a previous provision that allowed many to apply solely based on having an Italian ancestor alive after the nation's formation in 1861.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani explained that the government’s decision stems from what he termed "years of abuses" by applicants appearing to have minimal connection to Italy, principally seeking the benefits of an Italian passport. He noted that the government has recently welcomed a spike in citizenship requests from South Americans, indicating that many hopefuls are primarily motivated by desires to travel across Europe and potentially even to the U.S. “Being an Italian citizen is a serious thing,” he asserted during a press conference, emphasizing that it should not be merely seen as a ticket for easier travel to places like Miami.
In light of this situation, the Italian government has enacted stricter citizenship regulations. A decree announced recently now limits the eligibility for Italian citizenship exclusively to those individuals who can provide proof of having Italian parents or grandparents. This new policy cancels a previous provision that allowed many to apply solely based on having an Italian ancestor alive after the nation's formation in 1861.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani explained that the government’s decision stems from what he termed "years of abuses" by applicants appearing to have minimal connection to Italy, principally seeking the benefits of an Italian passport. He noted that the government has recently welcomed a spike in citizenship requests from South Americans, indicating that many hopefuls are primarily motivated by desires to travel across Europe and potentially even to the U.S. “Being an Italian citizen is a serious thing,” he asserted during a press conference, emphasizing that it should not be merely seen as a ticket for easier travel to places like Miami.
