Matteo Salvini's Lega presented this Thursday (20) a bill that further tightens access to Italian citizenship by naturalization, expands the grounds for revocation and imposes stricter rules on family reunification. The text, signed by MP Jacopo Morrone, was presented at a press conference alongside the Lega's deputy secretary, Silvia Sardone.
The measure directly impacts only foreigners seeking citizenship through residency..
The right of blood (ius sanguinis) is not affected by the proposal. Nothing changes for children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of Italians, or for spouses, who wish to become naturalized citizens.
Morrone summarized the spirit of the text: "It will become more difficult to apply for citizenship and the rules for revocation will be more rigorous." According to him, the priority is to ensure that "those who become citizens prove themselves worthy of it."
Among the proposed changes are:
- The residency period for foreigners born in Italy who apply for citizenship at age 18 has been increased, going from... 2 for 4 years;
- requirement for an integration test, which verifies knowledge of Italian laws, regulations and institutions;
- The Italian language exam at level B1 remains mandatory for naturalization;
- Absence of convictions or criminal proceedings, including for minors.
The text also toughens the revocation of citizenship. The Lega proposes to withdraw the citizenship of anyone who has:
- final sentence exceeding 5 years;
- A sentence of more than 3 years for crimes related to gender-based violence;
- and reduce from ten to two years the minimum period required for the State to apply the revocation after the conviction becomes final.
In the field of immigration, the proposal alters the Single Immigration Text and it specifically targets family reunification, requiring:
- minimum annual income tripled;
- Mandatory health insurance for each family member;
- Exclusion of people who, according to the text, may represent a "burden" to the community;
- standards “anti-maranza” aimed at second-generation foreign youth considered to be problematic.
Sardone reinforced the political tone of the proposal: “Citizenship cannot be a gift. We want to take it away from those who commit crimes and give it to those who are able to support themselves.” The MEP cited recent measures in the United Kingdom and Germany to justify the hard line.
Lega sees the proposal as part of the "security package 2," promising further interventions on issues such as residency permits and citizenship before the end of the legislature.
Despite the rigidity of the text, There is no mention of ius sanguinis..
See the proposed law below:
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