How do I get Italian Citizenship?

How do I get dual Italian and American citizenship? Do I qualify?

• I am 17, and half Italian, half American. My mom is Italian by birth and heritage (all of her ancestors came from the same village in Italy since the 1600s lol). I am a citizen of the US by birth. Can I become a dual citizen? If so, how? If not, bummer.

• Answer:

  The most important question is: Was your mom an Italian citizen when you were born? IF your mom was born in Italy and was an Italian citizen when you were born, then the answer is yes. (Note: Italian citizens who became U.S. citizens by naturalisation prior to August 15, 1992 lost their Italian citizenship.) If the above is true, then you had an automatic entitlement to Italian citizenship and are dual citizen of the US and Italy. Italy has permited multiple citizenship since 1992. Unless you decided to renouce your Italian citizenship in front of US officials you will not lose it. Visit http://www.consboston.esteri.it for more information. Click on "English" at the top right of the page if you are not fluent in Italian. Then click on "Consular Services" and "Citizenship" after that. If you meet the criteria for automatic citizenship through an Italian parent (i.e., Italian citizen parent), then the next step is to apply for an Italian passport. The US government does not encourage its citizens to take on other citizenships, but It is it NOT illegal for a US citizen to possess dual or multiple citizenships or passports. From the U.S. Department of State - Dual Nationality: " ... dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country. They are required to obey the laws of both countries. Either country has the right to enforce its laws, particularly if the person later travels there. Most U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country. Use of the foreign passport does not endanger U.S. citizenship." EDIT: What year did your mother become a naturalised citizen of Australia? If it was before 1992 she may have lost her Italian citizenship because Italy didn't allow dual citizenship for Italians who applied for citizenship in other countries. Q: I have lost my Italian citizenship because I obtained the Australian citizenship before the 16th of August 1992. How can I regain Italian citizenship? A: Former Italian citizens can regain Italian citizenship in two different ways: a) automatically after one year of legal and effective residence in Italy; b) by signing a declaration in which they state their intention to regain Italian citizenship and within 1 year of signing the declaration they will return to reside in Italy. In both cases the essential factor which will enable reacquisition of citizenship is legal residence in Italy. The relevant paperwork will be completed by the chosen Municipality (Comune) in Italy, once they have ascertained residency status of the applicant.