Italian senators have until 17pm local time on April 16 to submit amendments to the government's decree law. Giorgia Meloniwhich restricts the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent, the so-called the right of blood.
The text came into force on March 28 and was sent to the Senate earlier this week. The analysis is being carried out by the Constitutional Commission, which will issue an opinion before sending it to the plenary.
Similar to a Brazilian provisional measure, the decree needs to be approved by both houses of Parliament – Senate and Chamber of Deputies – within 60 days to have permanent effect. The maximum deadline is the end of May.
The proposal states that only those whose father or grandfather was born in Italy will be able to apply for citizenship. The rule applies to any date of birth of the applicant and does not affect processes already initiated.
The measure aims to contain the increase in requests for recognition, especially in South America, in recent years.
The decree also provides for the possibility of recognition if one of the parents is an Italian citizen and has lived in Italy for at least two consecutive years before the birth or adoption of the child.
