Ricki...
Thanks for your question. Being of Italian descent myself (4th
generation), your question intrigued me. Also, being that I have a
child that was born outside of the United States, I was curious as to
what her rights would be.
According to the US State Department, dual nationality means "...that
a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time. Each country
has its own citizenship laws based on its own policy.Persons may have
dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws rather than
by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to U.S.
citizen parents may be both a U.S. citizen and a citizen of the
country of birth."
Dual Nationality
http://travel.state.gov/dualnationality.html
One of the unique aspects of the United States is that if you are born
within the borders of the US, regardless of the nationality of your
parents, you are given American citizenship. This is not the case
with Italy. You are not automatically entitled to Italian citizenship
solely because you were born there. According to Italian citizenship
law, a foreigner born in Italy (of non-Italian parents) who has lived
in Italy without interruption up to their 18th birthday can become a
citizen if they declare that they want to acquire citizenship before
they turn 19. It does not sound as if that is the case for you and,
being that you are over 30, I feel safe in assuming you did not live
in Italy until you were 18 and make the declarartion prior to turning
19.
According to Law n. 91 of February 5th 1992, D.P.R. n. 572 of October
12th 1993 (Directive enacting Law n. 91/93), D.P.R. n. 362 of April
18th 1994 (Directive regarding the procedures for acquiring
citizenship):" A child born in Italy to non-Italian parents, as long
as they are from a country where the law does not impose adopting the
citizenship of the parents (in the case a child is born to non-Italian
parents who come from a country imposing citizenship of the parents,
the child CANNOT ACQUIRE ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP even by declaring his
desire or by administration formalities);". The United States does
impose US citizenship on children born abroad to US Citizens, so
unfortunately, based upon the information provided, by being born in
Italy you are not entitled to Italian citizenship.
If your parents or grandparents are of Italian descent, you do have
the option of gaining dual citizenship. There are several steps
involved there which are not covered in the scope of your question
I hope that the above information has been helpful and meets your
needs as asked in the question. If not, or if you need any additional
clarification, please let me know prior to rating my answer.
Regards,
-THV
Search Strategy:
non-italian parents
citizenship "born in italy" italian birth certificate
Citizenship "born in italy" "American Parents"
Consulate General of Italy, Houston
http://www.italconshouston.org/services/citizenship_e.html
How to become an Italian citizen.
http://www.geocities.com/robinicus919/Citizenship/how_to_become_an_italian_citizen.htm
cittadino italiano per nascita
(Italian citizen for birth)
http://www.stranieriinitalia.com/inglese/page8/nascita.htm |
