Italy’s government has announced plans to tighten its citizenship laws to prevent individuals from excessively delving into their family history in order to claim citizenship. Under Italy’s current “right of blood” or “jure sanguinis” laws, those who can prove an Italian ancestor alive after the unification of Italy in March 1861 are eligible for nationality.

However, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani believes the system is being abused, with Italian consulates worldwide overwhelmed by passport applications. In his words, “Being an Italian citizen is a serious matter. It’s not a game to obtain a passport that allows you to go shopping in Miami.” He aims to strengthen the link between Italy and citizens abroad while setting limits to prevent abuse.

According to the revised guidelines, individuals will automatically qualify for citizenship by descent if at least one parent or grandparent was born in Italy. The move follows a significant increase in citizenship recognitions abroad, particularly in South America, where many Italians emigrated in the 19th and 20th centuries. Argentina and Brazil saw a notable rise in citizenship recognitions, with the former jumping from 20,000 in 2023 to 30,000 in the following year.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/italy-moves-to-curb-right-of-blood-citizenship-claims/a-72083822?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf