Italy Restricts Access to Citizenship

Lesson made on May 22, 2025

Download Printable Lesson (PDF)

Download Printable Answer Key (PDF)

Reading Lesson:

Italy has made its citizenship rules stricter. Before the change, people with any Italian ancestor who was alive after 1861 could apply for citizenship. This allowed millions of people around the world, especially in places like Argentina and Brazil, to get Italian passports, even if they had little or no real connection to Italy. The Italian passport is one of the most powerful in the world, making it highly desirable for travel. Many people were using their ancestry mainly to gain travel benefits, which the government saw as a misuse of the system.

Under the new rules, only people with an Italian parent or grandparent can automatically qualify for citizenship by descent. Applicants must now apply online through the central Italian government and are required to travel to Italy for an in-person interview. People who already have Italian citizenship could lose it if they don’t stay involved, like by voting, paying taxes, or renewing their passports regularly.

The Italian government said it made these changes to prevent abuse of the system and to ease the pressure on consulates, which were overwhelmed by applications. Officials also criticized companies that were making money by helping people find old Italian ancestors just to get a passport. Other countries in Europe also offer citizenship based on family history, but many are now rethinking these rules.

Comprehension Quiz:

1. What is the main idea of the article?

a) Italy is helping more people become citizens.
b) Italian ancestry rules are now easier to follow.
c) Italy has made it harder for people to get citizenship through ancestry.
d) People in Argentina and Brazil no longer want Italian passports.

2. Italian consulates were overwhelmed by applications. What does this mean?

a) They had extra space and time
b) They received very few applications
c) They were closed for a long time
d) They had too many applications to handle

3. The Italian government wants to ease the pressure on consulates. What does this mean?

a) To create more work
b) To make things less busy
c) To build new offices
d) To stop all applications

4. Why did Italy change its citizenship rules?

a) To make it easier for people in other countries to move to Italy.
b) To allow more people with Italian heritage to apply.
c) To stop people from using the rules unfairly and reduce the number of applications.
d) To help people find their distant Italian ancestors.

5. Why did the government think the old system was a problem?

a) People with no real connection to Italy were getting benefits.
b) It was not working for people in Italy.
c) Too many Italians were moving away.
d) The rules were too complicated to understand.

6. What does it mean that the Italian passport is “highly desirable”?

a) It is hard to use in Europe.
b) It can only be used in Italy.
c) Many people want it for travel and benefits.
d) Only Italians are allowed to have it.

7. What could happen if a person with Italian citizenship doesn’t vote or pay taxes?

a) They will have to reapply for citizenship.
b) They could lose their Italian citizenship.
c) They will get help from the Italian government.
d) They can become president of Italy.

8. Why might someone with Italian roots want a passport if they don’t live in Italy?

a) To travel more easily.
b) To learn the Italian language.
c) To pay more taxes.
d) To open a bank account in Italy.

9. What is the effect of requiring an in-person interview in Italy?

a) More people will move to Italy.
b) Fewer people will apply because it’s harder.
c) People can apply from anywhere.
d) Interviews will be done by phone.

10. If someone applies today and has only a great-great-grandparent from Italy, what will likely happen?

a) They will be accepted quickly.
b) They will get a free trip to Italy.
c) They will need to send more documents.
d) They will not qualify under the new rules.

Speaking and Writing Activities:

– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. If you could get citizenship in any country in the world, which one would you choose and why?

2. How do you feel about countries giving citizenship based on family history? Is it fair or not?

3. Have you ever visited a place where you felt like you didn’t belong? What was that experience like?

Italians around the world

People with Italian ancestry live in many countries around the world. Most of them live in Italy, where their families first came from. But many Italian people moved to other countries many years ago to find work and a better life. Today, many people with Italian roots live in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia. Some also live in Germany, France, and other parts of Europe. Even though they live in different countries now, many still enjoy Italian food, speak some Italian, and celebrate Italian traditions with their families.

“Strong” passports

Some passports are stronger than others. A strong passport means you can visit many countries without needing a visa, or you can get a visa easily when you arrive.

Right now, the countries with the strongest passports are places like Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates. People from these countries can travel to over 170 countries without needing a visa first.

These passports are strong because the countries have good relationships with many other countries. They are safe, rich, and trusted around the world. When a country is trusted, its people are more welcome in other places.

So, if someone has one of these strong passports, it is easier for them to travel to many parts of the world.

ESL lesson about Pope Leo XIV

ESL lesson about over-tourism in Roccaraso, an Italian Mountain Town

ESL lesson about climate activists at Trevi Fountain in Rome