In Michael’s own words…
Each of my grandparents and great-grandparents were either born in Italy or emigrated as children to the USA. The main decision we faced in pursuing Italian citizenship for me and our two adult sons was which ancestor we should select upon which to base our application.
We worked with ICA, who advised us that my maternal grandmother was the strongest case as she was born in Carolei, Cosenza in Calabria. She emigrated as a small child and had not yet naturalized to the USA when my mother was born. We pursued a Caso 1948 and were victorious, though the process took some time due to changes and delays in the Italian courts during Covid. Being recognized as “always having been an Italian citizen” was a wonderful feeling. We will never forget reading the words “accoglienza totale”. We are very grateful for the chance to further cement our many bonds to our ancestral homeland. We have very close relatives in several regions and travel back as often as possible.
My wife Lusya went through the process of applying for citizenship by marriage and recently received her CELI Italian language test results and passed. Ottimo! My grandson and daughter-in-law will follow, God willing, with other additions to the family over time.
The ICA staff, many of whom I worked closely with during the years of the documentation, application and case, were excellent and supportive. Chiara, who worked with me during the final phases, was especially knowledgeable, and helpful.
Just a year after their court case Michael’s oldest son and his wife welcomed their first child, a baby boy. Alas, for Michael’s new grandson it was just months before the Tajani decree took effect creating some obstacles in obtaining his citizenship for the future. However, with substantial progress in current court cases and the awaited decision from the Court of Justice of the European Union hope is on the horizon for Michael’s dream in having his whole family recognized as Italian citizens.
Michael has agreed to serve as a subject of this success story and has granted ICA the right to use his, Anthony, and Alessandro’s name and image.
