Italy seems to have forgotten its own story. The recent decree promoted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni imposes new migratory restrictions that directly affect those who seek to regularize their situation in the country, including descendants of Italians who aspire to exercise their right to citizenship iure sanguinis.
Among the most controversial changes, it is proposed that only the children and grandchildren of Italians born in Italy could access citizens. That is, if a person obtained Italian citizenship but was born outside Italy, he could not transmit it to his minor children. This breaks with the logic of the lineage and especially harms those who have itching or Italian great -grandparents, which represents the vast majority of cases in countries such as Argentina.
In addition, the decree proposes to eliminate consulates as the headquarters to process citizens by offspring, centralizing the entire procedure in a unique office in Rome. This measure not only subtracts accessibility to the process, but also generates uncertainty about the deadlines, costs and guarantees for those who live outside Italy.
Impact on Argentina: uncertainty and concern
In Argentina, where it is estimated that more than 30,000 people obtained Italian citizenship in 2024, the news has generated a wave of uncertainty. Italian consulates in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Rosario have reported a significant increase in consultations and information requests. Many Argentines who were in the process of gathering the necessary documentation now face the possibility of being excluded due to new restrictions.
In addition, the increase in rates for these procedures, which went from 300 to 600 euros per person of legal age, represents a hard blow to the pocket of those who seek to obtain citizenship.
The measure has been criticized by organizations of the italo-Argentina community, which consider it a decline in the rights of the descendants of Italians and a denial of the migratory history shared between both countries.
What can be done now?
Given this panorama, it is essential that those who are interested in initiating or continuing their process of Italian citizenship are adequately informed and seek specialized legal advice. There are alternatives, such as judicial route, which could offer solutions in specific cases.
In the case of the grandchildren of Italians, do not hesitate: the closer they are from the generation born in Italy, the better. If you are grandson, start the process now is not only possible, but advisable. Even if you already have children, advance you allow them to remain closer in the citizenship transmission line. The situations can change, and be one step ahead makes the difference.
In addition, I recommend starting as soon as possible to gather and organize the necessary documentation. Although there is still uncertainty regarding the future of the decree, assembling the folder with all the information already prepared allows you to advance quickly there are hardly any definitions.
Finally, it is important to know that the judicial route will also be a key tool, especially if unconstitutionalities are raised around the new decree. There are already movements in that sense, and history shows us that conquered rights are not always lost without fighting.
My name is Micaela Rodera, I am a lawyer specialized in immigration law. I work together with a legal study based in Rome, which allows us to accompany each case with closeness, experience and knowledge of first hand of the legislative changes.
If you are thinking of starting the Italian citizenship process, this is the time to act. Being informed, advised and prevented can make a difference.
By CEDOC
