To ascertain your potential jure sanguinis Italian citizenship, you must trace if either of your parents was an Italian citizen when you were born and could pass on citizenship. If the parent's Italian citizenship wasn't registered in Italy, you need to establish a chain of Italian ancestors, starting with the last known Italian citizen ancestor (LIRA), whose Italian citizenship is confirmed through official records. This process involves obtaining birth and citizenship certificates from Italy for each ancestor in your direct line, demonstrating the passing of Italian citizenship through generations. There's no limit to the number of generations, as long as your LIRA was a documented Italian citizen.
You must apply at the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence in the US. Your specific consulate will depend on where you live.
If you have been unable to secure an appointment with the US Italian consulate after two years of trying, you have the option to file a lawsuit in Italy. This legal action would be based on the violation of your civil rights, allowing a judge in Italy to determine your eligibility for citizenship.
By establishing residency in Italy, you can apply directly for Italian citizenship there through our residency program.
A new law addressing the "minor issue" is now being enforced by U.S. Italian consulates and in Italy, leading to rejections for many applications. If you have a pending or upcoming appointment, check your eligibility and explore alternative options like filing a 1948 case. Stay proactive and informed!
We have confirmed new legal interpretations regarding Italian citizenship by descent, which affect administrative applications made through consulates and municipalities. Under the new guidelines, minors born in jus soli countries (like the U.S., Canada, or Australia) who gained foreign citizenship when their parent naturalized can only retain Italian citizenship if they formally elected to do so within one year of reaching adulthood (age 21). This new interpretation applies immediately to administrative cases, but does not impact judicial cases, such as 1948 cases, although some earlier court rulings have led to rejections in similar situations.
An overview of the challenges Americans may face when moving to small towns in Italy to obtain citizenship through ancestry. It covers key issues such as the requirement for in-person government appointments, language barriers, difficulties in securing long-term rentals, delays in police residency checks, and unpredictable document requirements. Real-life examples highlight the complexities of navigating Italian bureaucracy and cultural differences.
Italy presents significant legal challenges for same-sex couples, particularly in the areas of marriage, adoption, and surrogacy. While civil unions provide some legal rights, they do not offer the full recognition or protections of marriage, especially regarding joint adoption. Surrogacy is strictly prohibited, with recent laws even criminalizing Italians who seek surrogacy abroad. For American same-sex couples considering Italian citizenship, it's crucial to understand these limitations before proceeding. Italy's legal landscape remains restrictive, and the fight for equal rights continues amidst a backdrop of conservative resistance.
