Who is involved
Before the Italian citizenship crackdown, many Americans believed that reclaiming Italian citizenship through descent was a straightforward process. Families like the Matwicks, who moved to Italy in August 2024, were optimistic about their chances of obtaining citizenship. Kellen Matwick and his family had done extensive research and were told they had a good chance of success. The expectation was that citizenship by descent was a right for those with Italian ancestry, especially given the historical context where women were only allowed to pass on citizenship after 1948.
However, everything changed on March 28, 2025, when the Italian government unexpectedly introduced a new law that disqualified many Americans from obtaining citizenship. This law limited citizenship by descent to two generations, effectively cutting off the line for many applicants who had previously been eligible. The Matwick family, along with thousands of others, found themselves in legal limbo, unable to apply for jobs, travel, or access healthcare due to their uncertain status.
The immediate effects of this law were profound. The Italian government issued a circular on October 3, 2024, which rendered thousands of Americans ineligible for citizenship. Kellen Matwick expressed his frustration, stating, “We did everything they wanted us to do. Now I feel so stupid — because we did it the right way, we got penalized.” This sentiment was echoed by Jackie Wang, who had to return to the U.S. after her visa expired due to the law change, lamenting, “It was the worst possible timing.”
Families like the Matwicks are not alone in their struggles. Erica Galbreath, who managed to secure her citizenship through a court case just before the law change, highlighted the heartbreak of those who uprooted their lives to move to Italy. She said, “It’s heartbreaking for people who uprooted their entire lives, wanted to be in Italy, to pay taxes, learn the language and contribute, and they’re locked out.” This reflects a broader trend where individuals who had planned their futures based on the previous citizenship laws are now facing unexpected barriers.
The Italian government’s rationale for this crackdown was the increasing number of citizens by descent who had never lived in Italy. The authorities argued that this change was necessary to manage the growing population of Italian citizens abroad. However, the abruptness of the law change has left many families feeling betrayed and confused, as they had invested time and resources into the citizenship application process.
As the Matwick family awaits their court date in 2027, they are left to navigate a complex legal landscape that has drastically shifted under their feet. With three children, including a five-year-old and a two-year-old, the impact of this law is not just legal but deeply personal. Kellen Matwick’s frustration is palpable as he reflects on the situation, while Lea Black, another affected individual, described her feelings, saying, “I felt like a horse kicked me in the chest.”
In summary, the Italian citizenship crackdown has created a significant divide between the expectations of American families and the reality they now face. As they grapple with the consequences of this sudden policy shift, many are left questioning their future in Italy and the opportunities that once seemed attainable. The situation continues to evolve, and details remain unconfirmed as families await further clarification from the Italian government.