Italy Revokes Citizenship Rights for Millions with Italian Roots
The Italian Constitutional Court has signaled its support for a new government law restricting citizenship for those born abroad, a decision that challenges the country’s long-standing principle of citizenship by descent. This ruling, expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, will significantly impact descendants seeking Italian citizenship, as it limits recognition to those with parents or grandparents born in Italy and who held solely Italian citizenship at the time of their descendant’s birth. The decision comes as Italy grapples with a declining population and emigration, potentially hindering initiatives to attract Italian descendants back to depopulated regions. Lawyers are exploring further legal avenues, including appeals to EU courts and Italy’s Court of Cassation, to challenge the new citizenship rules.
John Q. Hosedrinker