The recent ruling by Italy’s Constitutional Court has upheld the 2025 limits on citizenship by descent, significantly impacting millions of Italian Americans and their eligibility for citizenship. This decision, made on March 15, 2026, means that only applications filed before March 27, 2025, will be preserved under the old rules, while new filings will face narrower eligibility criteria and stricter caps.
The law, which restricts citizenship to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent, was proposed in March 2025 and became effective in May 2025. It was introduced in response to a surge in citizenship applications from abroad, particularly from South America, where the number of Italians living abroad rose by 40% from 2014 to 2024. This influx led to an estimated 60 million to 80 million people worldwide being eligible for citizenship under the old rules.
In 2024 alone, there were approximately 30,000 Italian citizenship recognitions in Argentina and 20,000 in Brazil, reflecting the strong demand for Italian citizenship among those with Italian ancestry. However, the new law increases scrutiny on evidence for applications, making it more challenging for applicants to prove their eligibility.
For many Italian Americans, the path to dual citizenship is considered an almost sacred journey. As Basil Russo, a prominent figure in the Italian American community, stated, “For Italian Americans, the path to dual citizenship is an almost sacred journey.” The law’s restrictions mean that those who have spent years preparing their applications may find themselves ineligible under the new rules.
Antonio Tajani, the Italian Foreign Minister, emphasized the seriousness of obtaining Italian citizenship, stating, “Being an Italian citizen is a serious thing. It’s not a game to get a passport that allows you to go shopping in Miami.” This statement underscores the Italian government’s intent to tighten citizenship regulations and ensure that applicants meet stringent criteria.
The only remaining option for those deemed ineligible under the new law is to move to Italy and pursue citizenship through residency. This shift in focus towards EU residency options may alter the landscape for many who previously relied on ancestry for citizenship. The law has drawn criticism for its impact on individuals who have invested significant time and resources in preparing their applications.
As the Italian Constitutional Court noted, “The law stands as it was decreed … and later approved by the Italian Parliament.” This indicates a firm commitment to the new regulations, leaving little room for flexibility in the application process. The ruling has raised concerns among those who fear losing their connection to their Italian heritage.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential amendments or further developments in the law, but the implications for millions of Italian Americans and others with Italian ancestry are clear. The tightening of citizenship laws marks a significant shift in Italy’s approach to citizenship by descent, leaving many to navigate a more complex and uncertain path to citizenship.
