Rome
Cnn
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The Italian government has promulgated this week a law that prevents anyone from obtaining Italian citizenship through its great-grandparents, entering the hopes of those who have already paid money to start the process.
The law, which was introduced in March by the right -wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and entered into force on Tuesday, now restricts the right to citizenship under blood juiceor descending line, to people whose parents or grandparents were Italian.
According to the country’s interior ministry, 80 million people worldwide are of Italian origin. And for those whose great-grandparents were Italian and who spent time and money to collect documents and have them translated and notarially translated in order to claim citizenship, change is bad news.
They will now be able to become Italians only by moving to Italy and applying depending on the residence – which has already become more difficult under the Meloni government because of stricter visa rules for non -European citizens.
To further complicate things, on June 8 and 9, the Italians will vote in a referendum on a proposal to modify the rules of the citizenship of Italy. Currently, citizens of the EU can request citizenship after 10 years of legal residence.
The referendum, which should fail and that the government does not support, would have half required at five years. But if it does not pass, it could be followed by another referendum which, if it were adopted, would increase the requirement to 12 years of legal residence.
As it stands, those who ask for Italian citizenship by residence must provide proof of taxable income for all years of residence, and must have a minimum annual income of 8,263.31 euros (around $ 9,360) for those without children and 11,362.05 euros ($ 12,870) plus 516 euros additional ($ 585) per child for children.
Applicants must also take an Italian language exam and prove that they have no criminal convictions in all the countries in which they have lived. People who ask for citizenship by ancestry, on the other hand, do not currently need to take a linguistic examination or prove income.
For many of those who had hoped to win citizenship through their great-grandparents, moving to Italy for 10 years (or five if the referendum passes) is not an option. Gina Pace Truil, an American who worked on obtaining citizenship, expressed her frustration on a Facebook group for people with Italian ancestors working through new laws.
“I submitted all my documents according to my great-grandfather,” she wrote. “I’m waiting for 3 years for my appointment, I spent thousands of dollars and now they tell me that I am not eligible.”
Samantha Wilson, who directs Smart Move Italy, a company that helps people cross the immigration process, has described the law to change a terrible new.
“This is actually worse than what we expected,” she told CNN. “For many of our customers, this change has broken their immediate moving plans in Italy, as well as their long -term aspirations.
“It is also worrying for Italy itself, because the country already faces a decreasing population. Many of these candidates were not only looking for to connect with their assets, but also planned to invest in goods, start businesses and contribute to the Italian economy. Now it is no longer possible without a visa. ”
Wilson recommends that people wishing to move explore the Italian digital nomad visa program or other visa options, depending on their individual situation. Some visas also mean that the requirement of legal residence is reduced.
For those who were applying according to their great-grandparent but who are now disqualified, it suggests contesting the law of the Constitutional Court of Italy.
“Of course, only a judge can file a case at the Constitutional Court, but we need enough cases to be presented for a potential decision,” added Wilson.
“This process will probably take more than a year and includes significant legal costs. If customers have already paid the citizenship process, we suggest that they continue to move forward and defend their rights.
“Overall, this is a very sad situation for many, and although we hope that the Constitutional Court will end up ruling on the issue, it will take time.”
