For years, the issue of citizenship for children born abroad to Italian parents has sparked debate. Under current law, those born outside Italy to Italian nationals can claim Italian citizenship by descent – but only if the parent already held citizenship at the time of birth. This leaves gaps for individuals whose parents gained citizenship later through naturalization or other means.
New proposals aim to expand recognition, granting citizenship rights to these children even when their parents were not citizens at birth. If approved, the reform would allow descendants of Italians born overseas to apply for citizenship based on lineage – regardless of the parent’s status at the time. The goal is to close long-standing loopholes and honor the enduring ties many Italian families maintain with their heritage.
Supporters argue that the measure restores fairness. For decades, children have been excluded due to rigid technicalities, despite clear cultural and familial connections to Italy. Advocates note that many descendants still speak Italian, visit the country, and actively participate in Italian communities abroad. Denying them citizenship under outdated rules, they say, is a disservice to those bonds.
Critics, however, express concerns. They warn of heavier workloads for Italian consulates and municipalities, which would need to process a surge of new applications. Some question how the reform would interact with existing dual-citizenship laws or European regulations. Others argue that citizenship should not be granted solely on the basis of ancestry, without a tangible connection to Italy today.
If enacted, the law would allow eligible applicants to submit documentation proving their lineage to Italian authorities. Local offices and consulates would verify the records and issue citizenship decrees. For many descendants of Italian emigrants, this reform could represent long-awaited recognition – a chance to reclaim their Italian identity without facing outdated bureaucratic barriers.
