Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules Amid Application Surge

Amid an influx of applications for Italian citizenship from descendants of emigrants, Italy has enacted stricter rules limiting eligibility, impacting those with more distant ancestral claims.

For decades, individuals with Italian heritage have been able to claim citizenship through ancestral ties, often resulting in a lucrative Italian passport. This passport grants access to numerous countries without visas and has made Italy an attractive option for many around the world, particularly for those in South America. However, the surge in applicants has caused significant delays and congestion within Italy’s bureaucratic systems — courts, consulates, and municipal offices are struggling to process the volume of citizenship requests.

In response, a decree announced last Friday means that only individuals with Italian parents or grandparents will now be eligible for citizenship. This change reverts stricter eligibility conditions that were previously in place, which had allowed great-grandchildren of Italian citizens to apply if they could prove their ancestral connections dating back to before 1861.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani addressed the change, citing the need to renew the integrity of citizenship and reduce what he called "years of abuses" where individuals with minimal ties to Italy sought citizenship primarily for travel convenience. He emphasized that obtaining Italian citizenship is not merely about acquiring a passport but is a significant responsibility.

The government's actions can be seen especially in the context of a rising trend of South Americans claiming citizenship. Tajani voiced concern that many of these new citizens viewed citizenship merely as a means to gain easier travel to Europe and the United States.

As Italy adjusts its policies, the implications for the millions of potential applicants of Italian descent are profound, signaling a narrowing pathway to one of the most globally recognized citizenships.