When did my Ancestor lose his or her Italian Citizenship?

The answer to the question can be complex and confusing as it depends on the dual citizenship laws in effect at the time of the Italian national’s naturalization, in both the country where he or she naturalized, as well as in Italy.

In the United States, prior to the mid 1960’s when an Italian national became a naturalized United States citizen, he or she was required to renounce and give up their Italian citizenship as a part of the naturalization process. In 1967, the United States Supreme Court addressed and upheld a challenge to this aspect of the naturalization process. Only after this case was decided, did the United States government recognize and allow dual citizenship.

Twenty five years later, in 1992, the Italian government passed a law allowing dual citizenship and it is through this law, that many Italian Americans can now claim their Italian citizenship through jure sanguinis (through family’s bloodline). Of course, in order to qualify for Italian citizenship via jure sanguinis, the individual must meet all of the criteria established by the Italian government. Learn more about the qualification requirements, HERE.

Part of this 1992 law also allowed Italians, who were required to give up their Italian citizenship through naturalization, to reacquire it by residing in Italy for at least a year.

If a country other than the United States is involved in the naturalization of the Italian ancestor, the applicant needs to explore the laws of that country as they relate to dual citizenship. There is no one answer that fits all countries outside of Italy.

If you have any specific questions, please SCHEDULE A TELEPHONE CONSULTATION.

To order a Naturalization record, CLICK HERE