Decree-Law No. 36 of March 28, 2025 introduces significant changes to Italian citizenship law, restricting the automatic recognition of the right iure sanguinis to descendants up to the second generation only.

While this is a legitimate political decision, it raises several constitutional and social concerns. The principle of ius sanguinis has always been the cornerstone of the Italian citizenship system—a permanent and inalienable right based on descent, which now risks being significantly reduced.

Conditioning the acquisition of citizenship on requirements such as residency, language proficiency, and cultural identity may seem reasonable from an integration perspective, but it risks excluding entire communities of Italians abroad who maintain a strong connection to their roots, even after several generations.

Moreover, the use of a decree-law to introduce such a sensitive reform is questionable. A more thorough parliamentary debate would have ensured greater balance and transparency, especially considering the deep legal, ethical, and identity-related implications of this measure.

The risk is that, in an attempt to limit abuse or automatic entitlements, a fundamental right may end up being denied to those who have always recognized Italy as their homeland—even from afar.