Family Moves to Italy for Citizenship Then Loses Eligibility After Rule Change
An American family relocated to Turin in August 2024 to complete an Italian citizenship application by descent. Months later, Italy altered its naturalization rules, leaving the family without qualification and facing an uncertain path forward.
An American family moved from Arizona to Turin, Italy, in August 2024 to finish a citizenship-by-descent application that had taken roughly 18 months to prepare. The family had expected approval within six to eight months, which would have allowed the husband and children to become citizens while the wife applied for a spousal permit.
2024 the Italian government revised its interpretation of citizenship transmission rules. The new reading treats actions taken by an adult ancestor as affecting any minor children at the time, reversing the prior practice that insulated descendants once citizenship had passed to an earlier generation.
The family received a formal rejection letter in January 2025. Town officials stated they were the first applicants to arrive under the old rules and then lose eligibility.
The family filed a citizenship case that is scheduled for January 2027. Filing the case allows them to remain in Italy under a temporary permit while the matter is reviewed. They continue to weigh options that include returning to the United States, staying in Italy, or relocating to Spain.
The family cited earlier concerns over housing and childcare costs in New York and Arizona as factors still shaping their decision.
