Rome, Italy — Born in the heart of Italy and raised within its vibrant culture, Sonny Olumati finds himself in a perplexing situation: despite living in Rome for all 39 years of his life, he lacks Italian citizenship. He holds a passport identifying him as Nigerian, which underscores a complex struggle for identity and belonging in a country that does not acknowledge him as its own.
Sonny expresses his frustration and sense of exclusion vividly, reflecting on his life experiences beneath the palm trees in a rundown Roman park. “It feels like being rejected by your country,” he says, underscoring the pain of not having citizenship in the land he loves. This personal story highlights a broader issue as Italy prepares for a national referendum aimed at reshaping citizenship laws.
Scheduled for June, the referendum seeks to reduce the length of time required for foreign residents to apply for Italian citizenship from ten years to five. This initiative is part of a citizens’ movement advocating for a more accessible citizenship process, aligning Italy with many other European nations. Advocates argue that this amendment would not only benefit long-term residents but also better reflect Italy’s changing demographics in a country facing a declining and aging population.
However, the road to the ballot is fraught with challenges. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced her intention to boycott the referendum, claiming that the current citizenship law is already comprehensive. Meanwhile, some politicians have encouraged citizens to skip voting altogether, questioning the need for change. With the need for at least 50% voter turnout for the referendum to be valid, observers speculate whether the initiative will garner enough interest amid political apathy.
Despite these hurdles, supporters emphasize the importance of the referendum. Carla Taibi from the liberal party More Europe underscores that the effort is not about relaxing eligibility criteria but merely streamlining the process. Long-term residents, from factory workers to caregivers, would benefit directly, with up to 1.4 million people possibly qualifying for citizenship under the new rules.
Sonny’s personal struggles underscore systemic flaws affecting many similar to him. He cannot apply for public sector jobs, making professional advancement nearly impossible. Even obtaining a driver’s license has been fraught with bureaucratic obstacles. His aspirations were further complicated last year when issues surrounding his documentation delayed his participation in a reality TV show.
The debate surrounding citizenship in Italy evokes broader themes of identity and belonging. Insaf Dimassi, a student pursuing a Ph.D. in Bologna, poignantly refers to herself as “Italian without citizenship.” Having immigrated at a young age, she laments the years spent outside the realm of citizenship, facing existential questions around her identity. “It’s painful not to be recognized as part of the country where I grew up,” she notes, emphasizing her sense of invisibility.
On the eve of the referendum, a group of students made a striking statement in Rome, calling for support of the “Yes” vote. Yet, with the government’s lack of promotion and an atmosphere of indifference, the likelihood of achieving the required voter turnout remains uncertain.
Despite the potential shortfalls of the referendum, many, including Sonny, view this moment as an essential step forward. “Even if the outcome is negative, we will still be here and continue to advocate for our place in this society,” he asserts. His determination reflects a broader movement among immigrant communities in Italy who are striving for acknowledgment and equal opportunities.
As Italy grapples with its identity amid debates on citizenship, the voices of those like Sonny and Insaf serve as powerful reminders of the human stakes involved. The outcome of the referendum may shape not only the lives of countless individuals but also the very fabric of Italian society moving forward.
