Potential Claimants for Italian Citizenship Soar Above 1.4 Million According to Research Report
** approximated headline:** Over 1.4 Million Non-EU Residents Could Acquire Italian Citizenship Following Referendum
In a potential game-changer for Italy's immigration policies, a new study from research center Idos predicts that more than 1.42 million non-EU nationals residing in the country could become eligible for citizenship should voters approve a proposed reform in the forthcoming June 8th-9th referendum.
Under the current regulations, non-EU residents must demonstrate a decade-long residency to apply for naturalization. However, if the referendum passes, this residency threshold would drop to five years. The proposed reform would lead to nearly 1.14 million adults and 229,000 minors immediately qualifying for Italian citizenship, with an additional 55,000 minors eligible following their parents' naturalization[3].
The study's conservative estimates exclude non-EU nationals from countries that do not permit dual citizenship and EU citizens, who can already apply for naturalization after four years of residency[3]. It also predicts that up to 700,000 non-EU residents may not fulfill the new income requirements for citizenship by residency[3]. Income requirements would remain at their current levels under the proposed reform.
As with all referendums in Italy, this vote requires a voter turnout exceeding 50 percent for its outcome to stand. However, historical trends suggest it may be challenging to meet this quorum, with voter turnout in referendums traditionally low in Italy[5].
Italian media have expressed concerns that the abstention rate could spike in the upcoming referendum, with members of the ruling coalition publicly urging supporters to boycott the vote in recent weeks[5]. This call to abstain has sparked controversy among opposition ranks, who argue that government institutions should promote, rather than discourage, citizen participation in democratic processes[5].
If approved, this referendum could herald a significant shift in Italy's immigration and naturalization policies, potentially benefitting thousands of non-EU nationals who have made their homes in Italy[5]. Interested parties can refer to the referendum's details as well as the Idos study for a deeper understanding of its possible implications.
- The proposed referendum in Italy, if passed, could lower the residency threshold for non-EU residents to acquire Italian citizenship from ten years to five years.
- Meloni, a non-EU national residing in Italy, could potentially qualify for Italian citizenship should the referendum pass and the new five-year residency threshold be instituted.
- The passing of the referendum could result in an estimated 1.42 million non-EU nationals becoming eligible for Italian citizenship, according to a study by research center Idos.
- The referendum predicts up to 700,000 non-EU residents may not fulfill the new income requirements for citizenship by residency, even if the reform is approved.
- The Italian media and opposition ranks are expressing concerns about a potential low turnout in the upcoming referendum, which could impact its outcome and the future of Italy's immigration and naturalization policies.
