Critics Slam Italy’s Citizenship Policy Amid Backlash Over Milei’s Ancestral Citizenship Recognition
Buenos Aires [Argentina], December 15: The Italian government’s decision to grant Argentine President Javier Milei citizenship based on his Italian heritage has ignited a heated debate in both Italy and Argentina. Critics argue the move highlights inconsistencies in Italy’s citizenship laws, which favor descendants of Italian emigrants while denying citizenship to children born in Italy to immigrant parents.
President Milei, whose grandparents migrated to Argentina from Italy, received Italian citizenship in recognition of his ancestral ties, according to Italy’s foreign ministry. The decision, however, has drawn backlash, especially from opponents of Italy’s restrictive citizenship laws.
A Divisive Policy
Italian liberal lawmaker Riccardo Magi described the decision as “another slap in the face” to children born in Italy or long-term residents who have struggled for years to obtain citizenship. “Granting citizenship to President Milei is yet another affront to boys and girls born here or living here permanently, many of whom are still waiting for citizenship without success,” Magi wrote in a post on X, as reported by The New York Times.
Italy’s current law does not grant automatic citizenship to children born within its borders, even if they have lived in the country their entire lives. Despite calls for reform, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has resisted changes, maintaining a restrictive interpretation of citizenship laws based on ancestry.
Strengthening Italy-Argentina Ties
The controversy came just days after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with President Milei at Palazzo Chigi, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties. Discussions included plans to finalize a 2025-2030 Action Plan, with a focus on judicial and security cooperation, combating transnational organized crime, and boosting Italy’s economic presence in Argentina.
Meloni highlighted shared priorities in a post on X:
“The discussion was an opportunity to reiterate the common will to further strengthen the already solid bilateral partnership. We aim to finalize the 2025-2030 Action Plan to deepen collaboration across various sectors, particularly in energy and high-value industries.”
Meloni emphasized Italy’s interest in expanding its role in Argentina’s energy sector and other high-value industries while maintaining coordination on international issues.
Broader Implications
The citizenship controversy has amplified calls for reforming Italy’s policies, with critics arguing that granting citizenship based on ancestry perpetuates inequality. Meanwhile, Italy’s collaboration with Argentina underlines its broader geopolitical strategy to strengthen ties with Latin America.
As Italy faces mounting pressure to revisit its citizenship laws, the Milei case has reignited a global conversation about fairness, ancestry, and integration in modern immigration policies.