italian-citizenship-laws-history
The concept of Italian citizenship emerged with the unification of Italy in 1861. Before this, Italy was fragmented into multiple states, each with its own legal traditions and identity. The Law of March 17, 1861, proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy, laying the foundation for a unified national identity. However, formal citizenship laws were still undefined.
Decree-Law No. 36/2025 approved and the new rules for Italian citizenship: Photo of the Italian parlament
On May 20, 2025, the Chamber of Deputies approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, now law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, with 137 votes in favor and 83 against, finalizing the proposal introduced in March by the coalition led by Giorgia Meloni, which was previously passed by the Senate on May 15.
From North to South - the best places to live in Italy: Photo of a church near the Dolomites, in the Italian alps
Italy is a country steeped in cultural heritage, boasting stunning landscapes and a deep historical legacy. Divided into regions, provinces, municipalities, and metropolitan cities, each area offers a distinct lifestyle and unique experiences. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the best places to live, considering factors like culture, economy, and quality of life.
Legal arguments for Italian citizenship by descent under decree-law 36/2025: Photo of man walking through a historical building in Italy
Decree-Law 36/2025 has significantly restricted Italian citizenship by descent, allowing recognition only for children and grandchildren of Italians, while excluding great-grandchildren and further descendants. This change has sparked legal and constitutional debates.
The role of Italy's regions in shaping national identity: Photo of an historical building in Rome
Italy is renowned for its rich regional diversity, which has deeply influenced its national identity throughout history. From distinct dialects and culinary traditions to varied economic models, each region has contributed uniquely to Italy’s character.
decree-law-citizenship-impact
On May 15, 2025, the Italian Senate approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, a legislative measure that restricts the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). The measure has sparked intense debate, with critics raising concerns about its constitutional validity, retroactive effects, and potential discrimination.
Learn how to obtain birth certificates in New York, understand when a court order is needed, and understand the judicial processes for Italian citizenship.
Summary

Getting a birth certificate in New York is an essential step for multiple legal processes, including pursuing Italian citizenship. Birth certificates serve as essential documents to verify one’s identity, place of birth, and parental information.

For those seeking Italian citizenship through ancestry, a certified copy of the birth certificate is often required to prove lineage. This document is a cornerstone in the application process, ensuring that all relevant details are accurately documented.

The standard process to obtain a birth certificate in New York involves a straightforward application. Individuals can request a copy from the New York City Health Department for births that occurred within the five boroughs of New York City.

For births outside the city but within New York State, the New York State Department of Health handles the requests. Typically, applicants need to provide basic personal information, such as the full name of the person on the birth certificate, date and place of birth, parents’ names, and valid identification. There may be a fee associated with obtaining the certified copy, and the processing time can vary.

Navigating the application for Italian dual citizenship process

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When a court order is required

In some cases, obtaining a birth certificate in New York may require a court order. Specifically, an individual can only obtain a birth certificate without a court order if their name appears on the certificate, either as a child or a parent. This means that spouses, children, and other relatives must request access to the court.

Understanding the difference between a simple request and one that requires legal intervention. Simple requests generally involve straightforward applications for publicly accessible documents, while requests requiring a court order involve additional legal steps and permissions.

Obtaining court orders in New York

When a court order is required to obtain a birth certificate in New York City, the process involves specific steps that must be followed, including the involvement of an attorney. An attorney can request a birth certificate on behalf of the registrant, the registrant’s mother, or the registrant’s father/parent (if named on the certificate).

The attorney must submit the Attorney Protocol for NYC Birth Certificates form, sign and notarize the application, include the required fee, provide copies of their current photo identification, and proof of attorney licensure. The request must be labeled “Attn: Attorney Protocol Request” on the addressed envelope.

To request a birth certificate through a court in New York City, you must hire a lawyer who will follow the outlined procedure.

Challenges in the Italian consular process with U.S. documents

Using U.S. documents in the Italian consular process can present several challenges. The bureaucratic requirements and differences in legal systems between the U.S. and Italy can complicate the process. One common issue is the need for documents to be authenticated with an apostille, which verifies that a document issued in one country is recognized as valid in another.

Additionally, the processing times for consular services can be lengthy, adding delays to the citizenship application process. The costs associated with obtaining and authenticating documents can also be significant, further complicating the process. Applicants may face long wait times for appointments at Italian consulates, which can be frustrating and jeopardize progress.

List of Italians consulates.

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Alternatives to the consular process: Italian citizenship via judicial means

Given the challenges associated with the consular process, pursuing Italian citizenship via judicial means can be a viable alternative. This method often proves to be more efficient and less cumbersome than the traditional consular route. The judicial process involves presenting the case directly to an Italian court, bypassing the bureaucratic hurdles typically encountered at consulates.

Italian Citizenship: Applying in the U.S. vs. Italy

One of the key advantages of the judicial process is the ability to expedite the application. Courts can often process requests more quickly than consulates, reducing the overall time required to obtain citizenship. Additionally, the judicial route can be more straightforward, as it eliminates the need for multiple layers of documentation and verification.

The importance of specialized assistance in pursuing Italian citizenship

Specialized consultancy services such as io.citizen offer invaluable assistance. Io.citizen provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, including gathering and authenticating documents, filing court petitions, and representing clients in court.

Italian citizenship assistance: The Importance of Professional Services

The expertise of io.citizen’s team ensures that all legal requirements are met, and potential issues are addressed proactively. By leveraging their knowledge of ‘both U.S. and Italian legal systems, io.citizen can streamline the citizenship application process, minimizing delays and reducing the risk of errors. 

This professional guidance allows applicants to focus on their goal of obtaining Italian citizenship without the stress and uncertainty typically associated with the process.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.