Do I qualify for Italian Citzenship?

[mler]

That’s a tough one. Before 1912 Italian citizenship law created a situation in which when an Italian man naturalized, he lost citizenship not only for himself, but also for all his minor children, including those born before his naturalization. At that time, a woman’s citizenship status was tied to her husband, so she was automatically naturalized with him.

Obviously, like pre-1948 laws, this was discriminatory to women, and pre-1948 female lines have been been acknowledged successfully in the courts. I’m not sure, however, if that success has extended to women who lost citizenship pre 1912. Check with one or several of the “1948” lawyers for clarification.

[brendariani]

My Great Grandfather married an Irish girl, as did my Grandfather. Does this present a problem? I have just learnt, my Great Grandfather did not naturalize.

Brenda

[mler]

Not a problem. You will, however, have to obtain documentation to prove he never naturalized.

[brendariani]

Thank you!