COPOMIAO, ISDA and many other leading organizations are protesting the sweeping changes, which threaten to block millions of Italian Americans from claiming dual citizenship
What Happened?
The Italian government unexpectedly passed a new measure — an emergency decree known as the “Citizenship Package” — which took effect on Friday, March 28, 2025. If left unchallenged by Italy’s courts or parliament, the measure, pushed forward by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, will permanently alter how citizenship is granted to people with Italian ancestry.
Who Is Affected?
Moving forward, only the children and grandchildren of Italians born abroad will automatically qualify for Italian citizenship. Hereafter, great-grandchildren and their descendants are no longer eligible. The measure does not affect those who have already been granted dual citizenship or applications initiated before the March 27 cut-off date. At this time, it has not been determined where pending applications of children and grandchildren of Italians are being sent for processing. The consulates have stopped processing applications and discontinued taking citizenship appointments at this time.
Nearly 100,000 people have already signed an online petition opposing this sweeping change to Italy’s citizenship law. Don’t wait: take a stand and add your name today. The petition is available in several languages. Scroll down the page to read the English translation and make your voice count.
Is This Legal?
Some legal experts say the government may have overstepped. In Italy, “emergency decrees” like this one must be used only in urgent situations and must clearly show why immediate action is needed. Critics argue that there was no real emergency, and this could be considered an abuse of power. The Court of Cassation (Italy’s highest court) could overturn the decree if it agrees the government acted improperly.
Why Did This Happen?
According to Tajani, there are 60,000 ongoing legal proceedings pertaining to the determination of dual citizenship; and, government officials say they want to curb the recent surge in applicants to root out cases of purported “fraud” or “improper practices,” and to improve efficiency.
What’s Next?
Even if the court does not block the measure, Italy’s parliament must approve or change the law within 60 days, or the measure will expire. Some members of the government’s own party are already speaking out against the new rules and say they need to hear from affected families.