3 Myths About Italian Citizenship By Descent Through Maternal Line
Italy is among the preferred immigration destinations for Americans because it offers citizenship by descent. Millions of Americans have Italian roots, so getting a dual passport is easy for them. You only need to validate your ancestry and complete an administrative process to get in. The good thing is that there are no generational limits to the process, so you can claim it through your parents, grandparents, and beyond. But there’s a catch if you wish to claim through a female relative in your bloodline. However, you still have an option to get in. You can check the complete guide on mbersanilaw.com to know more about the option. But before doing so, you must know the myths around Italian citizenship by descent through a maternal line. Let us debunk them for you.
Myth #1- Italian women cannot pass on citizenship
The myth is partially true, but things have changed over the years. The Italian law was initially discriminatory against women as they were not allowed to pass on the citizenship rights to their offspring before 1948. However, the government realized that the failure to recognize maternal lineage was discriminatory and amended the law. Even after the amendment, people whose female relatives gave birth before 1948 have a different route to follow for claiming Italian citizenship.
Myth #2- You cannot claim citizenship through a maternal line
If you believe that you cannot claim citizenship through a maternal line, you are mistaken. A mother or female relative who gave birth after 1948 entitles you to proceed through the conventional Jure Sanguinis process. Things differ if she had a child before the year, but you can still get through. You have the option to claim through the 1948 Rule. It was implemented by the Italian government to address its discriminatory stance against women. Although it involves a court process instead of applying at your local consulate, you need not worry about missing out on the claim.
Myth #3- The process is long and daunting
It is easy to think that the judicial process for citizenship application is long and daunting. But you must stop believing this misconception. The truth is that getting a second passport through the 1948 Rule may actually be easier. The queues in the court tend to be shorter than ones at consulates. It means you may get a hearing date sooner than an interview appointment. The documentary requirements for both processes are pretty much the same, so you need not worry about formalities. You can even skip the court hearings if you want to save up on travel expenses. Your attorney can represent you in court and share evidence on your behalf.
Claiming Italian citizenship through maternal bloodline is easier than you imagine. You only need to stop believing the myths and go ahead with the process. Make sure you find a 1948 specialist lawyer, and the journey will be easier and smoother. You may even get through faster than with the conventional Jure Sanguinis process. So don’t give up on your hopes, and go for it!
