Decree does not change the rules relating to the recognition of citizenship by blood right
Italian President Sergio Mattarella signed into law this Thursday (4) the “Decree Law on Security and Immigration”, written by Interior Minister and Vice Premier Matteo Salvini (League) and which restricts the granting of humanitarian protection in the country and changes some rules relating to recognition of citizenship.
The decree-law works in a similar way to a provisional measure and comes into force immediately, but may be amended by Parliament, which will have 60 days to revoke or approve it. Check out the main changes below:
Citizenship
The “Salvini Decree” increases the fee for granting Italian citizenship through marriage from 200 to 250 euros, both within the country and through the consular network, and raises the maximum processing time for the application from 24 to 48 months (four years).
The same changes apply to granting citizenship based on length of residence, such as to foreigners who are children or grandchildren of Italians by birth and who have lived in the country for at least three years; to foreigners of legal age adopted by Italian citizens and who have resided in the country for at least five years; and to foreigners who have lived in Italy for at least 10 years.
Furthermore, the text authorizes the revocation of Italian citizenship through marriage and residency in cases of final conviction for terrorism offenses. The new rules will apply even to ongoing cases.
Contrary to what was previously discussed, however, the decree does not change the rules relating to the recognition of citizenship by right of blood (jus sanguinis). A draft prepared by technicians from the Ministry of the Interior spoke of limiting the recognition of citizenship to “direct descendants of the second degree”, but this item is not part of the final text.
Humanitarian protection
The “Salvini Decree” abolishes the so-called “humanitarian protection”, one of the three forms of protection guaranteed to foreigners in Italy, alongside refuge and subsidiary protection, the latter being regulated by international treaties.
The country will continue to allow entry for humanitarian reasons, but only in six situations: victims of “serious exploitation”, health reasons, domestic violence and calamity, people seeking medical treatment or who have carried out “acts of particular civic value”.
Refugees and security
The decree also provides for the suspension of asylum requests and the immediate expulsion of internationally displaced people convicted of sexual violence, aggravated injury or outrage against a public official, or of migrants who represent a “social danger”. The measure also increases the maximum period of detention for migrants in repatriation centers from 45 to 90 days, makes it difficult to rent vans and increases penalties for those who “abusively” occupy buildings and land, an action aimed mainly at curbing gypsy camps. (ANSA)
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