The new proposal presented by Congressman Jacopo MorroneA bill from Matteo Salvini's Lega party stipulates that only those earning at least €3.500 net per month will be eligible to apply for family reunification in Italy. This amount, equivalent to an annual income of €42.000 (approximately R$264.000), is included in the draft law released as part of the so-called "security package 2".
According to Morrone, the measure aims to prevent family members brought from abroad from becoming a burden on public funds. “With €17.500 it was possible to request family reunification for a wife and two children. It’s a very small sum. Today we are asking to triple that amount,” the deputy stated in an interview with the Italian newspaper. Il Sole 24 Ore , this Thursday (11)
In practice, the message is clear: if you are a foreigner, have family abroad, and are thinking of bringing them to live legally in Italy, you'd better wait for a miracle... or a promotion.
The figure proposed by Lega triples the currently required amount, which is around €17.500 per year. Beyond the legal and political impact, the requirement is noteworthy for the gap between legislative theory and the country's economic reality.
According to official data, the average salary in Italy is around €1.700 per month. That is, less than half of what the Lega wants to impose as a criterion for immigrants to be able to live with their families.
High income and new rules
The same bill also tightens access to citizenship through naturalization, with new rules regarding residency time, integration tests, and even the possibility of revocation for those with convictions. The focus, however, is on foreigners who live legally in the country and wish to bring family members.
In addition to the minimum income of €42.000, the text requires:
• Individual health insurance for each family member.
• Proof of absence of criminal record.
• Automatic exclusion of any relative who represents a "burden to the community".
The parliamentarian explained what he expects from this test: “We are not asking for an astrophysics exam. It is enough to know how many regions there are, to know the language, the rules and the history of the country that welcomes you.”
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