‘We did everything they wanted’: The American families caught in Italy’s citizenship crackdown
‘We did everything they wanted’: The American families caught in Italy’s citizenship crackdown
A new law upends decades of tradition
On March 28, 2025, Italy’s government overhauled its rules for citizenship by descent, casting uncertainty on millions of Americans with Italian heritage. A year later, the constitutional court’s recent notice to reject the first legal challenge to the law has deepened the dilemma for those who had already begun the process. For Kellen Matwick, the change wasn’t just a setback—it reshaped his life entirely.
Matwick, whose great-grandparents migrated from central Italy to Pennsylvania, had always dreamed of reconnecting with his ancestral roots. But in August 2024, after arriving in Italy with his wife Jacqueline and two children, he found his hopes dashed. The law, introduced abruptly through an emergency decree, targeted the growing number of descendants who had never resided in the country. This shift left many like Matwick in limbo, unable to work, travel, or access basic services without a clear legal status.
“It didn’t seem like a risk—the process has existed for decades,” said Jacqueline. “We said, ‘Let’s do it the right way.’ We treated it like an actual move, chose the city we actually wanted to go to. We’ll get an apartment, have the kids learn Italian, live a real Italian life. We did everything they wanted us to do. Now I feel so stupid—because we did it the right way, we got penalized.”
Choosing Italy over Spain
After living in New York City, the Matwicks decided to relocate to Arizona in 2022 with their two children. They faced a choice: Spain, where Matwick could secure a digital nomad visa, or Italy, offering citizenship by descent through his great-grandparents. Though both spouses spoke Spanish fluently, they opted for Italy, believing it would guarantee a more stable future.
The process for Italian descendants, while always available, now feels like a labyrinth. New arrivals must first secure a long-term rental, then register with local authorities—a step requiring 45 days. Residency permits from the police are needed before submitting paperwork to claim citizenship, which until 2025 was recognized from birth. The entire journey, once predictable, now stretches from months to years, with no buffer for those who had already invested time and resources.
Stranded in a country of their ancestors
The Matwicks spent two years compiling the necessary documents to prove their lineage. Arriving in Turin in August 2024, they immediately informed city officials of their intent to apply for citizenship. However, their efforts were met with delays. With most businesses closed for the month, responses were slow. By October, they were told to visit offices in person, only to learn the law had already disrupted their path.
Without a grace period, the Matwicks are now trapped. Their move, once a step toward integration, now feels like a gamble. They’ve sold homes, quit jobs, and committed to a new life—only to find the rules changed before they could finalize their status. For others, the situation is no different. With no clear way to earn income or maintain residency, the dream of returning to Italy has become a costly reality.
