The dual citizenship debate is gaining international attention as both the United States and Italy reconsider important aspects of citizenship law.

In the United States, a legislative proposal known as the Moreno bill seeks to introduce a model of “exclusive citizenship,” potentially requiring American citizens to choose between their U.S. nationality and any other citizenship they hold. Meanwhile, Italy is reviewing its historic jure sanguinis framework, introducing new limits on the transmission of citizenship by descent.

Although these developments arise in different legal systems, they raise a common question: who ultimately determines an individual’s identity and nationality?

According to Attorney Salvatore Aprigliano, founder of Studio Legale Aprigliano and a recognized expert in Italian citizenship law, the implications could be far-reaching for Italian descendants worldwide.

The U.S. Moreno proposal and the debate on exclusive citizenship

At first glance, the American proposal appears straightforward. Under the Moreno bill, U.S. citizens who hold another nationality would have one year to choose which citizenship to retain.

If no declaration is made within that period, the proposal suggests that the individual could automatically be considered to have renounced U.S. citizenship.

However, this mechanism has intensified the dual citizenship debate in the United States.

The United States Supreme Court addressed this issue in landmark cases such as Afroyim v. Rusk (1967) and Vance v. Terrazas (1980). These decisions established a key principle: citizenship cannot be revoked without a clear and voluntary act by the individual.

Attorney Aprigliano stresses this fundamental point:

-Attorney Salvatore Aprigliano on La Mia Finanza

If implemented, the proposal could affect over 20 million Italian-Americans, raising questions about the future of dual citizenship rights.

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Italy’s Jure Sanguinis reform

At the same time, Italy has entered the global dual citizenship debate with its reform of jure sanguinis.

The reform approved in 2025 proposes to limit the transmission of Italian citizenship by descent to the second generation, potentially changing a legal framework that has allowed Italian descendants to claim citizenship for more than a century.

Many families abroad have historically relied on the principle of Italian citizenship by descent, which allows individuals to demonstrate their eligibility through documented family lineage.

Cities such as Rome, Milan, New York, and Buenos Aires are closely following the discussion. For many families, the ability to prove a lineage that spans three or four generations has been the basis for recognition of citizenship.

However, that possibility may soon become more limited.

The issue is now before the Italian Constitutional Court, which will evaluate whether the reform complies with Article 22 of the Italian Constitution, a provision that prohibits deprivation of citizenship for political or discriminatory reasons.

Attorney Aprigliano highlights the legal parallel between the American and Italian debates:

“The question is the same on both sides of the Atlantic: to what extent can a state limit a right that derives from birth and family identity?”

-Attorney Salvatore Aprigliano on La Mia Finanza

The role of the Italian diaspora

Beyond legal considerations, the issue of citizenship also touches on Italy’s global influence.

For decades, the Italian diaspora — particularly in the United States — has played a major role in spreading Italian culture, economic ties, and the global reputation of the Made in Italy brand.

Millions of individuals have maintained a legal and cultural connection to Italy through citizenship recognition procedures supported by specialized legal professionals.

Attorney Aprigliano emphasizes the strategic importance of this global community:

“The citizenship of Italian descendants is not only a legal matter. It is also a fundamental component of Italy’s soft power and has played a decisive role in spreading Made in Italy around the world.”

In other words, the debate goes far beyond administrative rules. It concerns the historical and cultural relationship between Italy and millions of families abroad.

What comes next for Italian descendants

For individuals seeking recognition of their Italian citizenship, the coming months may be decisive.

Both the U.S. Congress and the Italian Constitutional Court will address questions that could redefine the legal framework surrounding dual citizenship and citizenship by descent.

Law firms specializing in citizenship litigation, such as Studio Legale Aprigliano, continue to monitor these developments closely while assisting individuals seeking recognition of their Italian heritage and legal status.

For millions of Italian descendants worldwide, the evolving legal landscape will determine not only access to citizenship but also the future of a centuries-old connection between Italy and its global diaspora.

Understanding the legal framework, documenting lineage carefully, and seeking informed legal analysis are prudent steps in a rapidly evolving environment.

Eligibility assessments remain available at: eligibility.apriglianos.com

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