Italian Citizenship Rights are Under Attack
Your Heritage is at Stake
Italy just slammed the door shut on millions in the global diaspora—families just like yours.
New legislation threatens your right to Italian citizenship by descent, stripping away the heritage that belongs to you and your descendants.
Don’t let bureaucratic chaos steal your birthright.
Join thousands fighting to reopen the door!
How new legislation is affecting the diaspora
Millions of diaspora members worldwide have:
• Spent years gathering documents and tracing family lineage, only to be blindsided
by sudden legal changes.
• Faced appointments and endless bureaucratic delays, now potentially meaningless.
• Watched their children’s future citizenship rights vanish overnight, leaving families frustrated and betrayed
What we believe
The Voice of the People
Opposing this reform is the duty of all Italians, everywhere:
-It was completely unwarranted and exclusively politically motivated
-It is indefensibly unconstitutional, in multiple ways
- The diaspora already has unfair and unbalanced representation, this will make it worse
If we don't act, these losses become permanent
Loss of freedom to live, work, or retire in Italy and the EU.
Limited access to affordable education in Europe.
Severed connections to your Italian heritage for future generations.
Every moment of delay pushes these losses closer to permanence.
Consiglio per la Difesa del Diritto di Cittadinanza Italiana
Who we are
Founded by leading legal minds and passionate community advocates, Consiglio per la Difesa del Diritto di Cittadinanza Italiana or CDDCI is a nonprofit Associazione di Diritto Privato dedicated exclusively to fighting for the citizenship rights of Italians abroad.
We’re already mobilizing legal challenges and direct advocacy in Italy—but we need you.
Membership Benefits:
Supporter (€50/year)
Instant updates: Never be caught off-guard again.
Advocacy kits: Tools to directly challenge Italian authorities and consulates.
Community forums: Practical guidance and real-time support.
Advocate (€150/year)
All Supporter benefits, plus:
Quarterly live Q&A webinars with elite legal experts.
Exclusive resource library with discounted legal translation services.
Priority alerts: Always stay ahead of legal changes affecting your citizenship.
Founder (€500/year)
All Supporter and Advocate benefits, plus:
One-on-one citizenship roadmap strategy calls tailored specifically to your family’s unique circumstances.
Join delegations meeting face-to-face with Italian policymakers.
Recognition as a key supporter in our official communications and advocacy efforts.
Defend your citizenship
Your heritage is at risk—We must act now!
This is our moment to reverse these unjust legislative changes. But the clock is ticking—your window of opportunity narrows each day.
Will you allow bureaucrats to silence your voice?
Will your family lose its rightful connection to Italy forever?
Or will you take a stand today?
Join the Movement
Your membership funds our collective voice—direct advocacy in Italy, strategic legal
challenges, and community education that ensures your rights are protected.
Together, we have power. Together, we can reverse these changes and protect our heritage for generations to come.
Act now!
Don’t let bureaucracy silence your claim to your birthright.
How new legislation is affecting the diaspora
Understanding Italy's Decree Law and Its Impact on Jure Sanguinis
What is Jure Sanguinis?
Jure sanguinis, meaning “right of blood” in Latin, is the principle under which citizenship is granted based on descent from a parent or ancestor who holds citizenship. Italy’s citizenship law is historically grounded in this principle, allowing descendants of Italian citizens around the world to reclaim their citizenship by proving their Italian ancestry.
Historical Background of Italian Citizenship
Italy’s citizenship laws date back to the unification period (1861-1871), shaped by the massive emigration waves of Italians worldwide. Millions emigrated to the Americas, Australia, and other parts of Europe, forming significant diaspora communities that today number tens of millions. Recognizing the cultural and historic ties, Italy’s modern citizenship laws traditionally have been inclusive, allowing descendants to reclaim citizenship rights and reconnect with their ancestral homeland.
Recent Legislative changes: Decree Law 36/2025
In 2025, Italy introduced Decree Law 36/2025, significantly altering eligibility criteria for citizenship by descent. This decree imposed stricter generational limits, additional documentation requirements, and significantly limited citizenship claims for individuals whose ancestors emigrated prior to specific historical dates.
Key provisions of Decree Law 36/2025 include:
Generation limits: Restricted the eligibility of citizenship by descent to fewer generations.
Documentation requirements: Increased complexity, making previously valid documents insufficient or requiring more extensive and costly documentation.
Retroactivity concerns: The law controversially impacts individuals already in the citizenship application process, leading to widespread legal and ethical criticisms.
Legal Criticisms and Potential Illegality
Legal experts argue that Decree Law 36/2025 violates several principles under Italian constitutional and European Union law:
Non-retroactivity: Legislation traditionally cannot retroactively limit established rights without violating constitutional guarantees.
Equality and non-discrimination: Critics highlight potential discrimination against diaspora citizens compared to those residing within Italy.
European Union citizenship rights: As Italian citizens are simultaneously EU citizens, restrictions could infringe upon EU-wide mobility and residency rights.
EU Citizenship and Implications
Italian citizenship grants automatic European Union citizenship, providing rights including:
Free movement: The right to live, work, study, and retire anywhere within the European Union.
Access to education and healthcare: Citizens benefit from subsidized or free higher education and healthcare services across EU countries.
Political participation: EU citizens can participate in European elections, giving them a direct voice in shaping policies affecting millions.
By restricting Italian citizenship, Decree Law 36/2025 impacts these crucial EU rights and
freedoms.
Professional And Experienced Family Law Attorney
Why Advocacy Matters Now
Immediate advocacy is crucial to challenge Decree Law 36/2025. Mobilizing global diaspora communities, engaging in strategic legal challenges, and directly influencing Italian policymakers can pressure the government into reconsidering or amending restrictive measures. Historically, similar citizen-led advocacy efforts have successfully overturned restrictive policies, proving the power of collective action.
How the CDDCI is Leading the Charge
Our association has assembled a team of legal experts, policy advocates, and community leaders actively engaging with Italian and European institutions to reverse these harmful changes. Through direct legal interventions, public advocacy, and diplomatic channels, we aim to restore fair and just citizenship rights for all affected diaspora families.
Together, we can reclaim our rights, protect our heritage, and ensure future generations remain connected to their Italian and European roots.
Join our movement and stand up for your birthright today.
How new legislation is affecting the diaspora
Our membership
Supporter (€50/year)
Instant updates: Never be caught off-guard again; Advocacy kits: Tools to directly challenge Italian authorities and consulates; Community forums: Practical guidance and real-time support.
Advocate (€150/year)
All Supporter benefits, plus: Quarterly live Q&A webinars with elite legal experts.Exclusive resource library with discounted legal translation services. Priority alerts: Always stay ahead of legal changes affecting your citizenship.
Founder (€500/year)
All Supporter and Advocate benefits, plus: One-on-one citizenship roadmap strategy calls tailored specifically to your family’s unique circumstances; Join delegations meeting face-to-face with Italian policymakers; Recognition as a key supporter in our official communications and advocacy efforts.
Can’t afford to donate? You can still join the cause!
Millions of Italians Around the World are Angry
What Can We Do?
Taking action is essential, and there are many ways to get involved:
- Join Our Association: Membership directly supports legal challenges, advocacy campaigns, and community education. You can join our messaging campaign for free.
- Sign The Petitions: Add your voice by signing and sharing petitions designed to pressure Italian authorities and lawmakers.
- Contact Officials: Use provided advocacy templates to write or call consulates, embassies, and Italian government representatives directly.
- Spread Awareness: Share informative posts and materials on social media to educate your networks about the impact of Decree Law 36/2025.
- Attend The Free Webinars and Events: Participate in informational webinars and community meetings to stay informed and connect with others.
- Volunteer with Our Organization: Offer your time and skills to support advocacy
efforts, community organizing, and outreach.
Every action counts. Together, we amplify our voices and strengthen our fight for justice and heritage.