Italy’s Constitutional Court has indicated it will uphold a controversial 2025 law restricting citizenship for descendants of Italians born abroad. The ruling affects millions who had hoped to claim Italian citizenship through their parents or grandparents, marking a major change to the long-standing principle of ius sanguinis. The law limits eligibility to those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy who held solely Italian citizenship at the relevant time.

Legal experts warn the decision is a significant setback for diaspora Italians, many of whom had already begun lengthy and costly processes to claim citizenship. The law also blocks descendants of Italian women who gave birth before 1948 unless they previously succeeded in legal claims. Families now face disparities where some siblings may retain citizenship while others are denied.

The ruling comes amid Italy’s population decline, with increasing numbers of Italians emigrating and regions like Sicily seeking to attract diaspora descendants. Critics argue the law disrupts long-standing cultural and familial ties while limiting opportunities for foreign-born Italians to reconnect with their heritage and assist in local development projects.

Lawyers say challenges are not over, as appeals to the Court of Cassation or even EU courts remain possible. They advise those already pursuing citizenship claims to continue their cases and request court referrals where applicable, while those yet to file should consider waiting for further legal developments. The ruling is seen as a first step in a protracted legal struggle.