Even during the parliamentary recess, the issue of Italian citizenship, especially the proposal to introduce the Jus Scholae, has dominated political discussions in Italy.
The measure, which would make it easier to obtain citizenship for children of immigrants who completed a cycle of studies in the country, divides opinions and finds strong resistance in the center-right coalition, particularly in Matteo Salvini's Lega party.
The proposal, defended by senator Simon Malpezzi, from the Democratic Party, has gained strength recently, driven by the performance of Italian athletes of immigrant origin in the Paris Olympics. However, Lega leaders such as Gian Marco Centinaio, vice president of the Senate, have demonstrated against any change in current legislation.
In an interview with the portal Affaritaliani.itCentinaio reiterated that Italian citizenship is already granted through a rigorous process, which allows 18-year-olds to decide whether or not they wish to obtain Italian citizenship. "The current system is already virtuous, and I see no reason to change it," he stated.
He criticized what he called the “fad” promoted by the left, which was using the Olympic success to boost the debate on the Jus Scholae. “Playing the left's game doesn't get us anywhere,” he declared, arguing that the government should focus on already established priorities, without straying into issues that are not part of the government's program.
Nicola Molteni, undersecretary of the Ministry of the Interior and also a member of Lega, reinforced this position in an interview with The newspaper. According to him, citizenship must be the “result of an integration process” and not a simple act of concession by the State. Molteni criticized the left's insistence on reviving the issue of Jus Scholae, noting that, even when they were in government, they did not have the strength or courage to promote such changes.
Molteni made it clear that, as long as the Lega is in power, the legislation on Italian citizenship will remain unchanged. He stressed that the current law is working well and that there is no need to modify it. “The immigration data is positive, we are once again playing a leading role in the Mediterranean, it makes no sense to be divided on this.” Jus Scholae”He concluded.
The center-right coalition seems, for now, determined to maintain the current rules, prioritizing a more cautious and controlled policy on immigration.
Difference between Jus Scholae, Ius Soli e Ius Sanguinis
Ius Scholae: This principle links the acquisition of citizenship to the completion of a certain number of years of schooling in the country in question. In other words, anyone who regularly attends Italian school for an extended period could, based on this principle, obtain Italian citizenship. It is a way of recognizing the bond that is created between an individual and a country through education.
Ius Soli: This principle is more direct: it attributes citizenship to any person born in the territory of a State, regardless of their parents' citizenship. It’s like saying “the soil makes the man”. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Canada, the United States and Uruguay adopt this system, with some particular rules.
Ius Sanguinis: This is the most traditional and common principle. It means that citizenship is acquired by descent, that is, it is transmitted from parents to children. In Italy, for example, this principle prevails: if your parents are Italian, so are you, regardless of where you were born.
What is the main difference between them?
- Ius Scholae: It focuses on integration and links with the country's educational system.
- Ius Soli: It is based on place of birth, regardless of other factors.
- Ius Sanguinis: It is based on the blood link, that is, on the kinship relationship.
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