Negative reception of Jure Sanguinis in Italy

[JTSD20]

Hi everyone, I hope this is ok to post here. Like many of you here, I'm working on my 1948 case. In the meantime, I'm studying Italian (currently B2 level). I want to become C1 level in Italian before moving to Italy.

I read a lot of social media in Italian. Currently there is a lot of discussion regarding the proposed Jus Scholae legislation. It seems like every few comments, someone brings up "there are people who have Italian grandparents and have never stepped foot in Italy. It's an injustice that those people can obtain Italian citizenship but not the children of immigrants to Italy." I 100% agree with that. But their line of thinking is never to allow both paths to citizenship. Several people said "we should take Italian citizenship away from the Jure Sanguinis Italians." Others said that Jure Sanguinis was a problem that needs to be corrected.

And it's not just that. The fact that I have to file a lawsuit for Italian citizenship makes me feel like the government doesn't want me either. How will people treat my family if we move there? Of course, I won't bring up my citizenship status to people, but I feel like I have to keep it a dirty secret. My mom was born in Italy but lost her citizenship. So I could just say "my mom was born in Italy", but that's still obscuring the fact that I didn't get citizenship from her. I'm just feeling down about it and wanted to see if someone else was up for a discussion.

[mler]

Your first mistake is reading social media. Your second mistake is assuming that what you read on social media is representative of what most Italians think.

Without question jure sanguinis that goes back many generations is controversial, and many Italians, including some working in the various consulates, believe there should be generational limits. At the same time, many Italians are less than thrilled with the proliferation of immigrants to Italy, and are not eager to liberalize citizenship laws for their children.

Regarding immigration, there are many different opinions in Italy as there are in the US and in other European countries. One thing I’m certain of, your family will be welcomed in Italy if you are a citizen and even if you’re not.

[qualdom]

Hi everyone, I hope this is ok to post here. Like many of you here, I'm working on my 1948 case. In the meantime, I'm studying Italian (currently B2 level). I want to become C1 level in Italian before moving to Italy.

I read a lot of social media in Italian. Currently there is a lot of discussion regarding the proposed Jus Scholae legislation. It seems like every few comments, someone brings up "there are people who have Italian grandparents and have never stepped foot in Italy. It's an injustice that those people can obtain Italian citizenship but not the children of immigrants to Italy." I 100% agree with that. But their line of thinking is never to allow both paths to citizenship. Several people said "we should take Italian citizenship away from the Jure Sanguinis Italians." Others said that Jure Sanguinis was a problem that needs to be corrected.

And it's not just that. The fact that I have to file a lawsuit for Italian citizenship makes me feel like the government doesn't want me either. How will people treat my family if we move there? Of course, I won't bring up my citizenship status to people, but I feel like I have to keep it a dirty secret. My mom was born in Italy but lost her citizenship. So I could just say "my mom was born in Italy", but that's still obscuring the fact that I didn't get citizenship from her. I'm just feeling down about it and wanted to see if someone else was up for a discussion.

Firstly, if you acquire fluency in Italian and respect the local culture, I sincerely doubt that you will have problems with anyone.

Secondly, I don't agree with the opinion that children born to immigrants in Italy are worthier of citizenship that the Italian diaspora. My Italian-born great-grandfather never became a US citizen. My grandfather never once said that he didn't want to be an Italian citizen. Therefore, I see JS citizenship recognition as something entirely legitimate.

Thirdly, always keep in mind that "people are people". There's a widespread negative opinion of Americans throughout Italy. Anyone on this forum who denies this is not being sincere. However, I've never been mistreated during all my trips to Italy. I think that once people understand that you are a decent person, their perception towards your nationality/race/religion/etc. just evaporates (of course there are exceptions).

[TerraLavoro]

I'll chime in and agree with @mier and @qualdom here.

Just as in the USA, there will always be a panoply of opinions among Italians resident in Italy (as well as those living abroad) with respect to all aspects of Italian citizenship and the rights of individuals thereto.

I have many friends born in Italy, now living abroad, friends born in the states now living in Italy by dint of their citizenship by descent or marriage, and among them I feel nothing but support for my dual status.

Italians are 60 million strong. Wow that's a lot of possible opinions. As a proud Italian, I feel ready to share and debate my opinions with all.

I say, be proud of your identity, don't expect universal approval, and enjoy the fact that the laws in Italy are on your side!

[afecad]

Appears most of the "social media" negativity is based on recent immigrants who cannot obtain citizenship. Unlike Norway, Sweden and Germany, Italy doesn't have such an open door policy on citizenship and right of blood is the target. Just look up Lampedusa and the issues it is facing.

Seeing how Italy has the third oldest population in the world, I doubt the courts are willing to turn away those with Italian heritage, revenue generators for one and though I don't know the average age, I'm sure there are many who are young enough to have young children that they will bring with them possibly.

Even if you and I have to sue them for our 1948 cases, I'm not taking it personal. If I do not succeed, after spending a decent amount of money with ICA, there are still other options elsewhere, at least for me and my family.

Lastly...keep in mind, as long as Italy is part of the EU, you don't have to live in Italy once you get your passport if you feel you will be treated poorly. I never experienced that as an American with Italian heritage, but I'm sure it exists as it does anywhere.

[JTSD20]

Thank you all, you really made my day. I have to remember that a few comments don’t reflect the ideas of all 60 million Italians. I’ll also try to take things less personally (and to read less social media). I know there are many different opinions about immigration here in the US, so I have to remember that in Italy people will have differing views on immigration as well.

[tommchris]

One significant aspect of the proposed reform is the limitation of citizenship recognition to descendants up to the third generation, which has raised concerns among Italian communities abroad.
Incredibox Sprunki

[carinamon]

Many Italians, especially those living abroad or descendants of Italian immigrants, have criticized the Jure Sanguinis process as overly complicated and bureaucratic. The requirement for extensive documentation to prove lineage, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other legal documents, has often been seen as burdensome and outdated. Incredibox Sprunki