Italy considers stripping citizenship from naturalised citizens over minor offences

Parliament is debating two bills that would allow the state to revoke citizenship from naturalised Italians convicted of serious crimes—murder, human trafficking, sexual violence. On the surface, this appears reasonable. But the devil lies in the details.

To date, Italy has revoked citizenship only twice in seven years. It is an extreme measure. Yet the new law would create a two-tier system: those born Italian could commit any crime and retain their citizenship, whilst naturalised citizens—those who married an Italian, or children of immigrants—would lose theirs. Moreover, the law could apply to minor infractions: involvement in a brawl could suspend citizenship indefinitely.

Lega leader Matteo Salvini has stated plainly that Italian citizenship should not be permanent; rather, it should be an "act of trust by the Italian people". This resembles a residence permit that can be revoked at any time.

The Italian government has already blocked thousands of people claiming citizenship by descent. Children of immigrants must wait until age 18 to apply—among Europe's strictest rules. The new law would make this even more difficult.

Italy is not alone. Britain's Home Secretary can strip citizenship from any British national holding dual nationality if deemed in the "public interest". The Trump administration is expanding grounds for revoking citizenship from naturalised Americans. Sweden is amending its constitution to ease revocation of citizenship from dual nationals.

The Italian Constitution currently protects against political persecution. But there are no guarantees.

Source: The Local Italy