Summary
Italy's Constitutional Court confirmed changes to its citizenship-by-descent rules, impacting Americans with Italian ancestry. The new rules allow only those with Italian parents or grandparents to claim citizenship if their ancestors held only Italian citizenship at the time of the descendant's birth or death.
Key Facts
- Italy's Constitutional Court confirmed stricter rules for claiming Italian citizenship by descent.
- The new rules apply to foreign nationals with Italian parents or grandparents.
- The ancestors must have had only Italian citizenship during their descendant's birth or at death.
- Previously, the law allowed anyone with an Italian ancestor alive after March 17, 1861, to apply.
- Italian authorities enacted the change due to concerns about high application numbers.
- 60 to 80 million people lost eligibility under the new rules.
- The rule changes faced constitutional challenges, which the court rejected.
- Legal experts and potential applicants have expressed concerns over the stricter criteria.
