Two U.S. families are challenging Italy’s year-old citizenship-by-descent law at the Cassation Court, arguing the scope should cover only those born after the law took effect, potentially widening eligibility for millions of descendants of Italian emigrants.

The government decree from March 2025 narrowed the traditional rule by limiting citizenship to those with ancestors from Italy prior to 1861, and Italy’s constitutional court recently affirmed the law’s validity, though the Supreme Court could still clarify its scope.

Mellone’s case targets descendants of about 14 million Italians who emigrated between 1877 and 1914, according to Foreign Ministry estimates.

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No additional specifics about case names, jurisdictions within Italy, dates of actions, or court decisions are provided in the excerpt.

The article is attributed to The Associated Press via CTV News, published on April 14, 2026.

An expanded panel of the Court of Cassation is expected to issue a ruling in the coming weeks that would set binding precedent for lower courts.

While the Italian constitutional court recently ruled the law valid, the Supreme Court could still clarify its scope, with a Cassation Court decision anticipated soon.

The Cassation Court’s panel is expected to issue a binding decision for lower courts in the near term.

The proceedings and outcomes could affect not only the two families in court but also dozens of other pending citizenship claims blocked by the new law.

Supporters of the cases gathered outside the courthouse, including relatives who have long pursued Italian citizenship based on ancestry, viewing citizenship as a recognition of Italian identity.

Claimants like Alexis Traino and Jennifer Daly describe deep personal ties to Italian heritage and a desire to contribute as citizens.