A Constitutional Court of Italy authorized this Monday (20) the holding of a plebiscite to reduce from 10 to 5 years the period of residence required for immigrants to apply for Italian citizenship.
The decision was taken after a campaign that gathered more than 600 thousand signatures, surpassing the 500 required to call a referendum. The proposal, promoted by the Mais Europa party, seeks to restore rules that were in force until 1992, benefiting around 2,5 million people.
It is worth noting that the plebiscite, or a possible change in the law, does not reach citizenship jus sanguinis (right of blood).
Change in citizenship deadline
Currently, immigrants over the age of 18 can apply for citizenship after living in Italy for 10 consecutive years. The new proposal provides for reducing this period to 5 years, provided that applicants demonstrate intermediate proficiency in Italian and financial self-sufficiency.
Social and political impact
The Mais Europa party explained that the proposal is not linked to the “school law“, a topic that has been stirring up political debate. “The 'jus scholae' would benefit around 135 young people per year,” the party stated. The plebiscite “would reach an audience of 2,5 million individuals, including immigrants who have lived in the country for at least five years and their minor children.”
Benedetto Della Vedova, a member of the Mais Europa party, welcomed the move: “The admissibility of the referendum on citizenship promoted by Mais Europa is wonderful news. In the midst of the demographic crisis that is devastating Italy and putting its economic and social future at risk, the integration of those who choose Italy as their home is a necessary and positive path forward.”
The organizing committee celebrated the court's approval as a historic victory: “Our joy at this moment is immense: we are making history. We have a real opportunity to change the face of our country for the better. The Constitutional Court's 'yes' represents the end of a stalemate that has lasted more than 30 years and is a strong message for our own democracy: citizens can create opportunities for concrete change when immobile institutions do not intervene in decisive issues.”
