Italy’s strict citizenship laws are facing a significant challenge as a referendum aimed at easing the requirements has successfully gathered enough signatures to proceed. This initiative, spearheaded by pro-migrant groups and opposition parties, seeks to reduce the residency period needed for naturalization from a grueling 10 years to a more accessible 5 years. Furthermore, it aims to grant automatic citizenship to the children of newly naturalized citizens.
This proposed change, which could potentially affect the lives of millions of foreigners residing in Italy, has gained considerable momentum. The online register managed by the Italian Justice Ministry confirmed that over 500,000 signatures have been collected, exceeding the threshold required to initiate a public vote. This development bypasses parliamentary gridlock on the issue, signifying the strong public support for reforming the current citizenship laws.
The next step in this process will involve the review of the referendum request by Italy’s Supreme Court and Constitutional Court. If approved, the nationwide vote is expected to be held in 2025. The organizers, which include prominent groups like Oxfam Italia, ActionAid, and political parties such as +Europa and the Italian Socialist Party, estimate that around 2.5 million foreigners could become eligible for Italian citizenship if the referendum is successful.
Italy’s right-wing ruling coalition, led by the Brothers of Italy and the League, has historically opposed efforts to soften citizenship laws. However, there appears to be a shift in stance from Forza Italia, another coalition partner, indicating their potential support for changes. This evolving political landscape is further influenced by recent events, notably Italy’s success at the Paris Olympics. The achievements of multicultural athletes have brought renewed attention to the country’s restrictive citizenship laws, which make it difficult for children of foreign residents to obtain Italian citizenship.
Italy’s citizenship laws are among the most stringent in Europe. The European Commission highlights that countries like France, Germany, and Belgium grant citizenship after five years of residence, while in Italy, foreigners often face bureaucratic delays, extending their wait to more than 10 years. This restrictive approach has raised concerns among economists who argue that increasing immigration could stimulate the Italian economy, particularly given the country’s declining birth rate. However, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has dismissed migration as a solution to the demographic crisis.
Despite the challenges, pro-migrant groups remain optimistic and are focusing on mobilizing support for the referendum. However, they face the daunting task of ensuring sufficient voter turnout, as recent referendums in Italy have struggled to meet the required 50 percent participation rate to be considered valid. The outcome of this referendum will have significant implications for Italy’s immigration policies and the future of millions of foreigners residing in the country.
