The debate over immigration in Italy has reignited, with proposals from mayors in Naples and Rimini seeking to grant citizenship to children of immigrants who have grown up in the country.

Proposal in Naples

• Mayor Gaetano Manfredi proposed a path to citizenship for an estimated 1.3 million minors residing in Italy without proper documentation.
• Many of these children are born to immigrants who may lack legal status.
• Manfredi's proposal would grant these children automatic Italian citizenship if they attend school in Italy for at least one year.

Proposal in Rimini

• Mayor Jamil Sadegholvaad, who himself has a mixed-migrant background, urged the government to grant citizenship to children of third-country nationals who have completed at least one school cycle in Italy.
• There are currently 3,500 minors born to foreign parents in Rimini who do not have Italian citizenship.
• Sadegholvaad believes that integrating these children through Ius Scholae (right of education) is crucial, as schools play a vital role in shaping citizenship and fostering future community integration.

Current Situation

• Italy grants citizenship only by jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning children born to at least one Italian parent automatically qualify.
• Children of non-Italian parents can only become citizens through a lengthy naturalisation process.
• This has created a situation where over 1 million non-Italian minors live in Italy, accounting for 11.4% of the underage population.
• Many organisations and public figures have called for reform, arguing that not recognising these children's citizenship hinders their sense of belonging and social participation.

Arguments For

• Proponents argue that these children, who have grown up in Italy and consider it their home, deserve the rights and opportunities that come with citizenship.
• Granting them citizenship would foster inclusion and allow them to participate in society fully.
• Ius Scholae would recognise these children's contribution to Italian communities and society.

Arguments Against

• Opponents argue that granting automatic citizenship would reward those who have entered the country illegally.
• They believe a path to citizenship should be earned through legal channels, such as naturalisation.
• Some fear it could incentivise further illegal immigration.

The Path Forward

• The proposals by the mayors of Naples and Rimini have reignited the debate on immigration and citizenship in Italy.
• The central government has yet to take a stance on these proposals.
• The issue is likely to be debated before any decision is made.

FAQS

Who are the mayors proposing this change, and what are their proposals?

• Mayor Gaetano Manfredi of Naples proposes automatic citizenship for 1.3 million minors residing in Italy who lack proper documentation if they attend school for at least a year.
• Mayor Jamil Sadegholvaad of Rimini proposes granting citizenship to children of non-EU citizens who complete at least one school cycle in Italy.

Why are these proposals being made?

• Proponents argue that children who grow up in Italy deserve the rights and opportunities of citizenship, regardless of their parents' legal status.
• They believe integration is crucial, and granting citizenship fosters inclusion and a sense of belonging.

What is the current situation regarding citizenship for children of immigrants?

• Italy grants citizenship only by jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning children with at least one Italian parent automatically qualify.
• Children of non-Italian parents can only become citizens through a lengthy naturalisation process.
• Over 1 million non-Italian minors live in Italy, and many organisations advocate for reform.

What are the arguments for and against these proposals?

For:

• Promotes inclusion and recognises the contribution these children make to society.
• Provides them with equal rights and opportunities.

Against:

• It could be seen as rewarding those who entered the country illegally.
• Some fear it might incentivise further illegal immigration.

What is the likely outcome of these proposals?

• The central government still needs to take a stance.
• The issue will likely be debated before any decision is made.