The program Direct grip, shown by RAI this Sunday (9), dedicated more than 1h30 to address the crisis caused by the increase in requests for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), in addition to the themes ius soli e sports law. With the title "Italian citizenship", the edition featured interviews with Italian managers, reports from descendants of immigrants in Brazil and worrying data on the economic and administrative impacts of this practice.
One of the highlights was the interview with the controversial Camillo De Pellegrin, mayor of Val di Zoldo, who recently caused controversy by raising the Brazilian flag in front of the city hall. The gesture was a form of protest against the excessive volume of citizenship applications. According to De Pellegrin, the municipality has become a “branch of the consulates”, with more than 800 Brazilians registered in the local registry office as Italian citizens, although only four actually live in the city.
Brazil in focus
The report visited Brazilian cities such as Urussanga and Nova Veneza, both in Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. Consul Domenico Fornara, from São Paulo, spoke about the challenges faced by consulates in the face of growing demand. The program also visited the Immigration Museum, which preserves data on Italians who arrived in Brazil in the late 19th century.
Overloaded Court
Another point raised was the situation at the Venice Court, which handles 51% of all applications for citizenship iure sanguinis in Italy. Salvatore Laganà, the former president of the court, warned of the risk of collapse. There are almost 30 cases per year, many involving dozens of descendants. The shortage of staff and the increase in the number of specialized agencies — which handle around half a billion euros per year — are exacerbating the problem.
In addition, RAI discussed the economic impacts for Italy, such as social benefit costs and the ease of mobility offered by passport Italian. Expectations for changes in legislation are growing, pressured by the complexity of the current scenario.
The full episode of Direct grip can be watched on the RAI website (here is the link). To access, you must quickly register on the platform.
Program in pictures
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