The government presented, this Wednesday (30), two amendments to the bill that restricts Italian citizenship, originating from Decree-Law 36. The original text, which was the target of criticism from the opposition and part of the allied base, had already received 106 suggested changes made by senators.
Even under pressure, the Executive seems to have chosen to maintain the main proposal, limited to technical changes.
Plenary voting is expected to begin next week, possibly on May 5.
The amendments filed by the government are numbered 1.500 and 1.0.500.
Amendment 1.500 proposed eliminating the up to 36-month extension period for granting Italian citizenship through naturalization. – marriage or length of residence in Italy. However, for requests that are already in progress on the date the change comes into effect, the previous rule will continue to apply.
Amendment 1.0.500 reopens the possibility of reacquiring citizenship for former Italian citizens. The measure benefits, above all, Americans, Canadians and Australians, for example.
According to the new text, anyone who was born in Italy or has resided in the country for at least two consecutive years and lost their citizenship based on old rules will be able to recover it by making a formal declaration. The deadline for applications is from July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027. The procedure can be carried out at consulates, with a fixed cost of 250 euros.
Reactions and resistance
Despite the mobilization of associations, parliamentarians abroad and even government allies, the Executive has signaled that it does not intend to give in. The League, Matteo Salvini's party, is working to overturn part of Decree-Law 36, which restricts the recognition of citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) only to those who have a grandparent born in Italy.
The opposition presented 42 amendments through the Democratic Party, 17 from the 5 Star Movement, 13 from Italia Viva and 4 from the Greens and Left Alliance. Several criticize the rigidity of the text and ask for guarantees for descendants living outside Italy.
See the government amendments:
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