The road to Italian citizenship for Steve and his family began in December 2019, during a trip to Italy. Steve discovered he had cousins in the commune of Casagiove where his grandfather was born: “My cousins were so warm and welcoming, it started me thinking of my heritage and wanting to feel closer to my grandparents as I was very young when they passed away.”
Later Steve started to explore and research dual citizenship, and come across ICA on Facebook. He made contact and ICA informed him that he was eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by descent through his grandfather.
Steve remembers: “It was unbelievably gratifying. It was quite overwhelming to know I could explore and travel the same streets and see some of the same sites as my grandfather, but do it as a citizen of Italy.”
Steve and his family were also excited to learn that both his children and future grandchildren would be able to gain citizenship, and enjoy the benefits of Italian dual citizenship.
One aspect of the process that Steve found challenging was the collating and gathering of the required documents. However, he believes this should not deter others from pursuing citizenship, but instead to “keep working on it as the reward is fantastic!”
Steve’s children share his connection and affinity with Italy, and both studied the Italian language in high school. His daughter continued her Italian studies and holds a degree in Italian, and now teaches Italian at a local high school.
Steve is delighted that the Italian identity is so strong and present in the family: “My parents and grandparents would be so thrilled about this entire process!”
Steve also expressed joy at seeing his grandparents’ birth, marriage, and naturalization petition, and noted this to be a particularly rewarding and emotive experience because it gave an insight into their own journey and history: “Because I was so young when they passed, these documents provided a connection that is impossible to put into words.”
The process of being recognized as Italian citizens, although lengthy (the covid pandemic caused delays) was, in Steve’s own words, “well worth the wait!”
Steve’s brother is also now in the process of obtaining Italian citizenship for himself, his 2 children and 4 grandchildren. He also has a friend who is interested in commencing the process.
Steve’s wife, who is not of Italian descent, is exploring her own dual citizenship options through her Irish ancestry, after seeing throughout this journey the rewards and benefits that dual citizenship brings.
In terms of plans for the future, Steve is excited at the prospect of travelling within the EU, and being able to spend as much time as he and his family wants in Italy. Steve and his wife also have future ambitions to buy a property in Italy to use in their retirement, and also to have a home in Italy where the entire family can gather to enjoy their Italian life and identity.
Steve views the support ICA provided as invaluable, and “a tremendous advantage in achieving citizenship, as I know I could not have navigated the bureaucracy of Italy on my own.”
Steve is positive and complimentary about the expertise and professionalism of the team, noting that “Alessia Spiga, Andrea Zeljeznjak and Lara Munari were unbelievable. They were all knowledgeable, professional, fast and helpful.”
All the team here at ICA are so pleased for Steve and his family, and wish them all the very best in this Italian chapter of their lives. ICA are committed to helping individuals and families achieve their dream of becoming Italian citizens. We leave the final words to Steve: “Anyone considering dual citizenship, hire ICA!”
Steve has agreed to serve as a subject of this success story and has granted ICA the right to use his name and image.
