I don’t know exactly when I became aware that I was eligible to be recognized as an Italian citizen, but it was definitely over a decade before actual recognition. I began doing some online research, which eventually led me to obtain a copy of my dad’s birth certificate while visiting the Italian town where he was born, accompanied by my then-girlfriend, who is now my wife. After I returned home, I continued working to obtain the necessary documents, which ultimately culminated in an appointment at the Italian Consulate. I was not approved right away, as I had to amend my Dad’s US documents to match his name on his Italian documents (his first name is Americanized from his Italian name). While disappointing, I got to work on sending all the documents to the NYC offices to be amended to his legal name in Italy. All the change requests were sent in only to be rejected. This led to much disappointment and frustration. I threw my hands up and said “forget this project”. This is where ICA comes in.
I don’t remember exactly where I found ICA, it was most surely through an internet search. ICA, and particularly Emilia Murano, got me through everything I needed, including all the amendments with the NYC office. Emilia and ICA were amazing! She coordinated all the necessary amendments, additional documents, and vital records, handled all the required signatures (my dad had to sign a lot of paperwork), and scheduled the appointment with the New York Consulate. Of course, COVID hit, and my in-person appointment was changed to a mail-in appointment. But in August 2023 I was recognized by the New York Consulate and applied for my Italian passport, which I received in November of the same year.
This process was a huge bucket-list item for me. So, why did I do it? I wanted to establish a connection to my ancestral homeland and have the ability to live, work, and travel in Italy and throughout the European Union. Ultimately, my goal is to one day split my time between Italy/Europe and the United States. One thing I really want to emphasize is how amazing the ICA team and my case manager Emilia were throughout the entire process. Emilia was patient, informative, and very professional as she guided me through all of my questions, fears, and sometimes frustrations. I’m not sure I would have had that much patience with myself! ICA is a first-class organization, and I would give them the highest recommendation.
Louie has agreed to serve as a subject of this success story and has granted ICA the right to use his name and image.
