Italian Citizenship Hopes in Limbo for Many Americans Amid Legal Uncertainty
Many Americans of Italian descent are facing uncertainty regarding their eligibility for Italian citizenship due to a recent decree by the Italian government. The decree, effective from March 28, 2025, restricts citizenship claims through jus sanguinis, or 'blood right,' to individuals with a parent or grandparent born in Italy. This change has left many, like Liz Fitzgerald, who traced her Italian roots to her great-grandfather, ineligible under the new rules. The decree, known as the Tajani Decree, has not affected applications already pending at consulates and courts but has closed the path for new applicants. A hearing in Italy's Constitutional Court is scheduled for March 11, 2026, to assess the decree's constitutionality, offering a glimmer of hope for those affected. Until a decision is made, applicants face uncertainty about their qualifications and the processing time for their applications. 
