Lea Black arrived in Sicily on March 8, 2025 with a dream. Twenty days later, Italy changed the rules.

The Big Picture Decree Law No. 36/2025 shortened generational requirements for citizenship by descent. Applicants can now only trace ancestry to parents or grandparents, not great-grandparents. This upends plans for thousands of Americans who had invested in Italian property.

Citizenship Shift: Italy's Rule Change Leaves American Expats in Limbo

Italy's constitutional court rejected the first legal challenge this month. But another crucial case will be heard on April 14, 2026 before the Court of Cassation.

“Regulatory whiplash has left families trapped in lease agreements without citizenship status.”

Why It Matters **Kellen Matwick and his family signed a four-year lease** as part of citizenship application requirements. They now cannot work legally or obtain health insurance, but lack the finances to return to the U.S. Their hearing is scheduled for January 2027.

Why It Matters **Kellen Matwick and his family signed a four-year lease** as part of citizenship application requirements. They now cannot work legally or obtain health insurance, but lack the finances to return to the U.S. Their hearing is scheduled for January 2027. — real-estate
Why It Matters **Kellen Matwick and his family signed a four-year lease** as part of citizenship application requirements. They now cannot work legally or obtain health insurance, but lack the finances to return to the U.S. Their hearing is scheduled for January 2027.