On Monday, the Italian Chamber of Deputies voted to extend the deadline for citizenship recognition requests for the descendants of Italians born abroad until May 2029. The vote concluded with 177 in favor and 93 against, and the proposal will next be sent to the Italian Senate for further deliberation. This legislative action represents a significant adjustment to law 74/2025, which had previously amended citizenship by 'right of blood' for those eligible, limiting it solely to children and grandchildren of Italians born outside Italy.

The implications of this extension are particularly significant for Brazilian descendants of Italians, many of whom have been seeking to secure their citizenship rights. The earlier cutoff date for applications was set for May 31 of this year, creating a sense of urgency among those eligible. With this extension, individuals who have not yet applied will have more time to navigate the consular process without losing their opportunity to claim citizenship. Importantly, anyone who has already submitted their request will not be negatively impacted by these changes.

This legislative decision not only reflects Italy's commitment to its diaspora but also highlights the ever-evolving nature of immigration and citizenship laws that adapt to the needs of constituents abroad. As the proposal moves to the Senate, it may be debated further, but the current approval signifies a progressive step towards accommodating the descendants of Italians wishing to reconnect with their heritage through citizenship rights.