Welcome back to another episode of A New Life in Italy! I'm your host, Samantha Wilson, and today we’re diving into a critical topic for anyone considering or currently in the process of applying for Italian citizenship.

In this episode, we discuss a significant recent change from Italy's Ministry of the Interior that impacts how citizenship applications are handled, particularly for those affected by what we refer to as the "minor issue." This term refers to cases where a child under the age of 21 loses their claim to Italian citizenship because their Italian parent naturalized before they reached adulthood.

We start by breaking down the basics of Italian citizenship, specifically the concept of Jure Sanguinis, or citizenship by descent. I explain how individuals can qualify for citizenship through their Italian ancestry, emphasizing the importance of proving a direct bloodline and the potential complications that can arise if an ancestor naturalized before the next generation was born.

The episode features our head citizenship researcher, Terry Wilson, who provides insights into the new directive issued on October 3rd. This directive aligns with a previous court ruling from 2022, which stated that children of Italian citizens who naturalized while they were minors would lose their citizenship rights. Terry explains the implications of this directive, noting that it makes it significantly harder for applicants with a minor issue to claim citizenship through traditional routes, such as at a consulate or a local municipality (comune).

We discuss the potential avenues for those affected by this change, including the slim possibility of proving emancipation from the parent who naturalized. However, we also highlight that for many, this new directive effectively closes the door on their citizenship applications.

For those already in the process or considering their options, we explore alternative pathways to citizenship, such as pursuing a 1948 case through a female ancestor or applying for citizenship through naturalization after three years of legal residency in Italy.

As we wrap up the episode, we address listener questions, providing practical advice for those looking to move to Italy, including insights on the cost of living and the responsibilities of tenants in rental properties.

This episode is packed with essential information for anyone navigating the complexities of Italian citizenship, especially in light of these recent changes. If you’re affected by the minor issue or are just starting your journey, this episode is a must-listen.

Join us as we unpack these updates and help you find the best path forward in your quest for Italian citizenship!

Resources

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