With many non-citizens feeling excluded, the vote represents a pivotal moment in Italy’s approach to immigration and belonging.
**Italy's Citizenship Referendum Sparks Divisive Debate on National Identity**
**Italy's Citizenship Referendum Sparks Divisive Debate on National Identity**
An upcoming referendum proposes to reduce the citizenship application wait time, stirring division among Italians.
In Italy, a looming referendum has divided the nation, focusing on proposed changes to the citizenship application process that could significantly impact thousands of long-term residents. Scheduled for this weekend, the referendum seeks to reduce the waiting period for citizenship applications from 10 years to just 5. This reform aims to align Italy with many other European nations, but it has garnered mixed reactions from citizens and government officials alike.
Sonny Olumati, a 39-year-old activist born in Rome to Nigerian parents, embodies the struggles faced by many who call Italy home but lack citizenship. Despite being a lifelong resident, Sonny navigates the complexities of Italian life with the uncertainty of his residency status, dependent on frequent renewals of his residence permit. “Not having citizenship is like... being rejected from your country,” he expressed, highlighting the emotional toll of his situation.
The referendum comes at a time when Italy is grappling with a growing migrant population, particularly those arriving from North Africa. The hard-right government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has opted to boycott the vote, deeming the current citizenship law as comprehensive and adequate. Her declaration has drawn criticism from various political factions and non-citizens advocating for a “Yes” vote, as the proposed reforms would not only expedite the citizenship process but also aim to shift public perceptions of foreign nationals.
“People live, work, and contribute to Italy,” argued Carla Taibi from the More Europe party, a supporter of the referendum. “This is about recognizing them as part of our society.” The changes would primarily benefit long-standing foreign residents, affecting an estimated 1.4 million individuals, including children of non-citizens who could be eligible for automatic citizenship.
Meloni's government has faced accusations of downplaying the importance of the referendum to prevent turnout from exceeding the 50% needed for it to be valid. Critics argue this strategic abstention hinders meaningful discussions on citizenship and national identity. Furthermore, the Prime Minister posits that Italy has already provided citizenship to more foreign nationals than many other European countries, although a significant portion of those granted citizenship are descendants of Italians from abroad.
The voices of individuals like Insaf Dimassi, who identifies as “Italian without citizenship,” further amplify the referendum's significance. Having arrived in Italy as a baby, Insaf faces uncertainty regarding her future citizenship, waiting for over two decades to gain recognition in the country she has always considered home. “It’s extremely painful and frustrating,” she commented, emphasizing the painful feelings of exclusion and invisibility.
As anticipation builds for the referendum, many supporters have begun grassroots campaigns. In Rome, students have taken to the streets, urging citizens to vote “Yes” on June 8th and 9th, despite the government’s hesitance. What stands to happen remains uncertain, but Sonny remains hopeful. “Even if they vote 'No', we will stay here—and think about the next step,” he stated. “We have to start to talk about our community's place in this country.”
The outcome of this referendum will not just determine the legal status of many but will also reflect Italy’s evolving narrative surrounding immigration and citizenship in an increasingly diverse society.
Sonny Olumati, a 39-year-old activist born in Rome to Nigerian parents, embodies the struggles faced by many who call Italy home but lack citizenship. Despite being a lifelong resident, Sonny navigates the complexities of Italian life with the uncertainty of his residency status, dependent on frequent renewals of his residence permit. “Not having citizenship is like... being rejected from your country,” he expressed, highlighting the emotional toll of his situation.
The referendum comes at a time when Italy is grappling with a growing migrant population, particularly those arriving from North Africa. The hard-right government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has opted to boycott the vote, deeming the current citizenship law as comprehensive and adequate. Her declaration has drawn criticism from various political factions and non-citizens advocating for a “Yes” vote, as the proposed reforms would not only expedite the citizenship process but also aim to shift public perceptions of foreign nationals.
“People live, work, and contribute to Italy,” argued Carla Taibi from the More Europe party, a supporter of the referendum. “This is about recognizing them as part of our society.” The changes would primarily benefit long-standing foreign residents, affecting an estimated 1.4 million individuals, including children of non-citizens who could be eligible for automatic citizenship.
Meloni's government has faced accusations of downplaying the importance of the referendum to prevent turnout from exceeding the 50% needed for it to be valid. Critics argue this strategic abstention hinders meaningful discussions on citizenship and national identity. Furthermore, the Prime Minister posits that Italy has already provided citizenship to more foreign nationals than many other European countries, although a significant portion of those granted citizenship are descendants of Italians from abroad.
The voices of individuals like Insaf Dimassi, who identifies as “Italian without citizenship,” further amplify the referendum's significance. Having arrived in Italy as a baby, Insaf faces uncertainty regarding her future citizenship, waiting for over two decades to gain recognition in the country she has always considered home. “It’s extremely painful and frustrating,” she commented, emphasizing the painful feelings of exclusion and invisibility.
As anticipation builds for the referendum, many supporters have begun grassroots campaigns. In Rome, students have taken to the streets, urging citizens to vote “Yes” on June 8th and 9th, despite the government’s hesitance. What stands to happen remains uncertain, but Sonny remains hopeful. “Even if they vote 'No', we will stay here—and think about the next step,” he stated. “We have to start to talk about our community's place in this country.”
The outcome of this referendum will not just determine the legal status of many but will also reflect Italy’s evolving narrative surrounding immigration and citizenship in an increasingly diverse society.
