Italy has announced a significant change in rules for descent citizenship, restricting access that was once considered one of the most flexible in Europe. The new guidelines, revealed by the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani ,.
Previously, anyone with an alive Italian ancestor after 1861 could request citizenship, regardless of kinship. This change represents a considerable impact on thousands of Brazilians seeking recognition of their Italian ancestry.
Impact on processes in progress
No CNN Prime Time This Friday (28), Matheus Reis, an expert in Italian citizenship, clarifies that those who have already started the process of citizenship recognition will not be affected by the new legislation. “People who have already entered the judicial or administrative process for recognition of citizenship and had the documents received by the consulate will be entitled to citizenship,” he says.
The implementation of the new rules will occur gradually. From 2026, a new body in Rome will be responsible for judging administrative proceedings, centralizing decisions that were previously made by consulates and communes (Italian administrative bodies).
Motivations and Political Implications
The Italian government’s decision raises questions about their political motivations. Some observers draw parallels with restrictive immigration policies implemented in other countries, such as the United States during the Trump administration.
The method of implementing the new law, through a decree, also draws attention. This procedure avoids a broader debate in parliament and civil society, raising concerns about the transparency of the legislative process.
Changes in the rules of Italian citizenship represent a significant challenge for many descendants of Italian immigrants around the world, especially in Brazil, which houses one of the largest communities of Italian origin outside Italy. The new policy reflects a global trend of hardening of immigration and citizenship laws, with potential long -term implications for international relations and migratory flows.
