Fourteen mayors of Santa Catarina signed a letter rejecting Decree-Law No. 36/2025, sanctioned in Italy on March 28. The document, sent to the Italian government, expresses opposition to the new rule that imposes stricter criteria for the recognition of citizenship by descent.
The demonstration brings together managers from Amrec (Association of Municipalities of the Carboniferous Region) and Amurel (Association of Municipalities of Laguna), areas with a strong presence of Italian-Brazilians.
Stricter rules and local reaction
The Italian decree establishes territorial and chronological limitations, which, according to the mayors, threatens the right of thousands of descendants of immigrants to dual citizenship.
In the letter, the mayors requested that the decree be annulled before it becomes law. They also requested that the issue be debated with the participation of representatives of Italians abroad, such as COMITES and CGIE – which was not done, contrary to the law.
Historical community
Italian immigration to the south of Santa Catarina began in 1877, with the arrival of around 100 families. Cities such as Nova Veneza, Urussanga and Grão-Pará keep alive the cultural, religious and economic traditions inherited from Italy.
For the mayors, the new law compromises not only the region's cultural identity, but also its social and commercial relations with the European country.
Economic and social consequences
The administrators emphasize that dual citizenship facilitates access to studies, work and international partnerships. Limiting this right could directly affect families and companies that maintain ties with Italy.
“We helped build this story, even from a distance, with pride, loyalty and love. We trust that the Italian authorities will know how to preserve this union and respect,” the document says.
Mayors who signed the petition
The petition was organized by the 1st Colony of Italian Immigrants in Azambuja. The signatories are:
- Agnaldo Filippi (Big Stones)
- Ademir Magagnin (Cocal do Sul)
- Angela Ghislandi (New Venice)
- Cesar Antonio Cesa (Araranguá)
- Eduardo Sartor Guollo (Smoke Hill)
- Estener Soratto da Silva Junior (Shark)
- Fernando Cruzetta (Orleans)
- Franqui Salvaro (Sideropolis)
- Helio Alberton Junior (Gran-Pará)
- Luciano Miotelli (Treviso)
- Nenem Bardini (Thirteenth of May)
- Stela Talamini (Urussanga)
- Vaguinho Espindola (Criciúma)
