Many Americans who dreamed of living in Italy for the sweet life are finding their aspirations shattered. They have sought dual citizenship, hoping for a life filled with Italian charm, but, well, things have suddenly changed.
A number of these individuals are now caught in a frustrating bureaucratic mess, as shared by a CNN report. They’ve left behind their homes, jobs, and friends only to find that Italy’s citizenship rules—specifically, those based on lineage—have shifted while they were in the process of applying.
“I followed all the requirements,” said Lee Black, an American who moved to Sicily in March 2025 to secure citizenship through her Italian ancestors.
However, just weeks after her arrival, while she was working on her application, the regulations changed, complicating the ancestry documentation needed.
An important decree now requires applicants to trace their lineage back one or two generations—essentially to their parents or grandparents—and Italy’s Constitutional Court has announced stricter generational limits. This change may have serious implications for many who had already started their applications.
Black’s grandfather, who had fond memories of Sicily, raised her. “It felt like my grandfather was guiding me,” she explained.
But after spending about $20,000 and anticipating a Social Security number appointment, she had to go back to the U.S. empty-handed—left with no job, home, or possessions.
Shifts in Ancestral Citizenship
This isn’t the first instance in which Italian citizenship rules have been altered. A law enacted in October 2024 stipulated that children of Italian citizens who became naturalized in another country would lose their right to claim Italian citizenship through inheritance. It wasn’t a small change; it had a significant impact.
This law has faced various challenges, and another hearing is expected in April 2026 regarding its implications, as noted by an immigration law firm.
Alongside Black, Kellen Matwick, whose great-grandparents hailed from Italy, faced similar legal challenges after moving to Turin in 2024. The rules concerning ancestry abruptly altered, throwing his family’s plans into chaos.
They attempted to seek citizenship via different pathways but faced hurdles due to the historical context around Italian women’s citizenship rights. Kellen’s great-grandmother was Italian, which offered a glimmer of hope, but the law tightened again, leading to yet more disappointment.
Jacqueline, Kellen’s wife, expressed their frustration, saying, “We felt like we were constantly making decisions that later turned out wrong.” Despite her securing a temporary visa for herself and their children, Kellen finds himself unable to legally work or obtain health insurance.
The couple thought moving would help their children immerse in the culture, but now they’re reconsidering their choices. They had committed to a four-year lease in Italy, hoping it would ease the path toward citizenship, but now they wait and see what happens next.
Growing Interest in Leaving the U.S.
There’s a noticeable trend of Americans contemplating leaving the U.S. Rising living costs, soaring healthcare expenses, and contentious politics have pushed many to look abroad. Polls suggest that about one-third of Americans would prefer living outside their home country. Italy remains a top choice among those exploring relocation options.
It’s also ranked highly among places to retire, with Sardinia making a notable list for overseas retirement destinations for 2026.
Still, the journeys of those lost in the immigration labyrinth serve as important reminders. It’s critical to secure the required documentation before making any drastic moves abroad. The legal landscape can change unexpectedly!
Experts caution against diving into an overseas life without professional guidance. They argue that applicants might be better off applying for ancestry-based citizenship from within the U.S. rather than uprooting their families prematurely.
Potential Stricter Policies in the U.S.
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers are considering increased restrictions on dual citizenship. Senator Bernie Moreno introduced a proposal aimed at completely eliminating dual citizenship, emphasizing the privilege of holding American citizenship.
If this bill succeeds, influential figures, including Melania Trump and her son Barron, might find themselves re-evaluating their dual nationality status.
Although the likelihood of the bill passing is uncertain, the conversations around citizenship—whether in Italy or the U.S.—are certainly evolving.
