How Italian Americans Can Get Italian Citizenship

For those people of Italian descent living outside of Italy, the idea of returning to the old country is often romanticized in a way not seen among most other ethnic groups. In part, that is because of the way the Italian cultural identity has maintained itself as a cohesive culture and way of life even as Italian citizens have moved around the world for business opportunities and other reasons. The idea of returning to Italy for either a visit or as a permanent move is easier than many think, however. Thanks to a 1992 revision to the Italian Nationality Law, citizens of the United States and other countries have a path for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent. In other words, if your ancestors were Italian, you might be able to claim citizenship in the country.

How Italian Citizenship By Descent Works

Those who are born abroad to citizens of Italy have the right to claim Italian citizenship automatically, provided at least one parent was still a citizen of Italy at the time of their birth. Other than that clear cut case, the laws determining citizenship by descent are a little harder to interpret. Under the most recent clarifications and directives for civil servants reviewing applications, one may qualify for citizenship by descent if a paternal ancestor was an Italian citizen who did not relinquish citizenship or if a maternal ancestor born after 1948 was. If the ancestor lost citizenship due to the requirements of obtaining it in another country, the cases are less clear, so the application process is not guaranteed in many cases. Those who do obtain Italian citizenship after applying also enjoy the benefits of being citizens of the European Union.

Benefits of EU Citizenship

The benefits of citizenship in the EU are varied, and they include:

• The right to live and work in any of the 28 member countries
• The right to conduct business, including investments and entrepreneurship, in any EU country
• Free travel within the member countries
• The right to vote and to stand as a candidate in EU elections
• The right to petition the EU with grievances
• Consular protection as awarded to all citizens

Citizenship in the European Union is automatic for citizens of its member states, so there is no need to file an extra application if you are approved for Italian citizenship under the jus sanguinis law. This makes it one of the easier paths to EU citizenship and residency rights for Americans of Italian ancestry, but the only way to know if you will be approved to apply.