The politicisation of immigration and the impossible reform of access to nationality in Italy

Francesco Pasetti, investigador principal, CIDOB (Barcelona Center for International Affairs). fpasetti@cidob.org. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3251-5693 

There have been numerous attempts to liberalise access to nationality in Italy over the last 30 years in order to facilitate acquisition by foreign residents in the country. But all such attempts have failed. What lies behind this prolonged and constant resistance to changing the regulations on Italian nationality? This paper answers the question through the analytical lens of the “politicisation of immigration”. Based on a qualitative analysis of the evolution of the Italian nationality system over the course of its recent history (1992–2024), it argues that the resistance can be attributed to three politicisation dynamics: a) the polarisation between different framings within the government coalitions; b) the increased salience of the migration issue in connection with crises sparked by migrant arrivals; and c) the arrival in power of the far right. 

Keywords: politicisation, immigration, public policy, nationality, Italy, far right 

How to cite this article: Pasetti, Francesco. «La politización de la inmigración y la reforma imposible del acceso a la nacionalidad en Italia». Revista CIDOB d’Afers Internacionals, n.º 140 (septiembre de 2025), p. 57-77. DOI: doi.org/10.24241/rcai.2025.140.2.57

Revista CIDOB d’Afers Internacionals, nº 40, pp.57-77
Quadrimestral (May-September 2025)
ISSN:1133-6595 | E-ISSN:2013-035X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24241/rcai.2025.140.2.77

Reception date:  24.02.25 ; Acceptance date: 23.05.25

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