Divided Opinions: The Impact of Italy’s Citizenship Referendum on National Unity

Sonny Olumati has lived his whole life in Italy, yet he feels like an outsider. Born in Rome, Sonny identifies as Italian, but the country doesn’t see him that way. He holds a Nigerian passport, and without citizenship, he relies on temporary permits to stay in the land he calls home. “Not having citizenship feels like being rejected by your own country,” he shares, his voice tinged with sadness. “I’ll live and die here, but I still don’t belong.”

Sonny is not alone in his struggle. Many long-term residents in Italy, especially migrants, face similar challenges. They are calling for a “Yes” vote in an upcoming referendum. This vote aims to reduce the time to apply for Italian citizenship from 10 years to just 5. If successful, it would align Italy with many other European nations where the process is quicker.

However, this proposed change has not received support from everyone. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has declared she won’t participate in the vote, suggesting the existing citizenship process is already effective. Her government has even encouraged citizens to ignore the referendum, urging them to spend the days at the beach instead.

The referendum focuses on those legally living and working in Italy, not new migrants rushing through borders. The criteria for citizenship—such as language proficiency and a clean criminal record—will remain unchanged, explains Carla Taibi from the liberal party, More Europe. “This is about easing the wait, not lowering the standards,” she states. By making citizenship more accessible, they aim to shift the perception of these individuals from outsiders to integral parts of society. Up to 1.4 million people, who have been contributing to the economy for years, could benefit if the law passes.

Life without citizenship complicates daily activities for Sonny. As a non-citizen, he can’t apply for government jobs or even easily obtain a driving license. His attempt to participate in a reality show was delayed because of bureaucratic hurdles, forcing him to miss his initial flight to Honduras. “It’s frustrating,” he admits.

The citizenship issue resonates deeply for many Italians with foreign roots. Insaf Dimassi, another voice in this conversation, feels the pain of being considered “not Italian.” Growing up in Italy, Insaf’s parents gained citizenship just before she turned 18, forcing her to navigate the lengthy application process alone. “It’s like being invisible,” she says, reflecting on losing an opportunity to run for election in her hometown due to her citizenship status. “What do I need to show to be seen as Italian?”

Public awareness of the referendum is dishearteningly low. Media coverage has been limited, and there is a lack of a substantial “No” campaign, which some view as a tactic to prevent a high voter turnout. Professor Roberto D’Alimonte from Luis University suggests that this strategy ensures the referendum doesn’t reach the minimum turnout required for validation.

Sonny and Insaf are optimistic, believing that the fight for acknowledgment and belonging is just beginning, regardless of the referendum outcome. “If they vote ‘No’, we’ll still be here,” Sonny assures, “and we’ll keep pushing for our rights.” As the country grapples with its identity and immigration issues, conversations like theirs highlight the urgent need for change. Further reforms could redefine what it means to be Italian in a nation that has seen continuous migration for decades.

In 2022, Italy granted citizenship to about 217,000 foreign nationals, a higher figure than many of its European neighbors. Still, the system has flaws and often overlooks those contributing meaningfully to society. The stakes are high, with future generations hanging in the balance. The outcome of this referendum could define how inclusive Italy becomes.

For more insights on citizens’ rights and immigrant experiences, you can check out this report from the International Organization for Migration.

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