Sonny Olumati knows Italy as home, yet at 39, he remains a non-citizen. Born and raised in Rome, he identifies as Nigerian due to his passport, highlighting the pain of being viewed as an outsider. This emotional struggle fuels his support for a national referendum proposing to cut the citizenship application period from 10 years to just five. “Not having citizenship is like... being rejected from your country,” he expresses during a chat in a Roman park.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has chosen to boycott the vote, asserting that the current system is adequate, while some allies encourage citizens to spend the referendum days at the beach. However, for many, like Sonny, the proposed change represents not just faster applications, but a shift in perception of foreign residents in Italy.
As Italy grapples with increasing migration, the referendum becomes a key point in discussions about national identity. Current laws require ongoing residence, proof of language skills, and clean criminal records for applicants. The proposed changes could affect up to 1.4 million current foreign residents, many of whom contribute significantly to the workforce.
Meloni, unbothered by the referendum, previously downplayed its importance, leading to a lack of substantive debate. Critics argue this strategy aims to prevent a turnout above the necessary 50% for the vote to be valid. While Meloni portrays the citizenship process as "excellent," many citizens contest this, including Sonny, who believes his long delay is rooted in systemic racism.
Another young advocate, Insaf Dimassi, echoes these sentiments, feeling the sting of being “Italian without citizenship.” Growing up in Italy, she is frustrated by the drawn-out process her family endured, and she vividly remembers realizing her “outsider” status during political discussions, despite having lived in Italy for decades.
As the referendum approaches, activists rally for a 'Yes' vote. Students in Rome demonstrated their support, urging citizens to participate. Still, with government indifference and limited media coverage, the chances for a successful turnout are uncertain. However, for advocates like Sonny, this referendum is about more than just passing a law—it's a beginning point in their enduring quest for recognition in their home country.
