The Italian government has approved a decree setting a referendum for June 8 and 9 that could reduce from ten to five yearsThe residency period required for immigrants to apply for Italian citizenship.
The referendum does not interfere with citizenship by right of blood, the ius sanguineas.
The initiative was initiated by the centrist party Mais Europa, which defends immigrant integration policies, and which gathered more than 600 signatures to call for a vote. If approved, since it is abrogating, the result will automatically be incorporated into Italian legislation, without the need for approval by Parliament.
Currently, adult foreigners can apply for citizenship after living in the country continuously for ten years. A popular referendum will decide whether this period should return to five years, as it was until 1992. According to Mais Europa, the change would benefit around 2,5 million people, including immigrants and their minor children. Applicants will need to demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the Italian language and economic self-sufficiency.
To be validated, the referendum needs the participation of at least 23 million voters.
Opposition leaders fear that the ruling majority will try to minimize the debate. “Referendums often fail due to a lack of information,” said Riccardo Magi, from Mais Europa. He advocates rules that guarantee visibility for the campaign.
The issue is not among the priorities of Giorgia Meloni's government.
