Basil Russo, serving in his capacity as leader of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, recently submitted a formal letter and resolution to the Italian government — materials he first introduced at COPOMIAO's Annual Meeting in New York City in June.

The resolution voiced the unanimous opposition of the Italian American Conference of Presidents to a newly enacted Italian law that prohibits third-generation Italian Americans and their descendants from applying for dual citizenship — a change that effectively disqualifies the vast majority of Italian Americans from eligibility.

Last week, President Russo attended a diplomatic dinner at the Italian Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C., where Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani — the official who spearheaded the controversial law — delivered remarks. Although Russo expected the dual citizenship policy to be addressed, the topic was not mentioned in Tajani’s speech.

Following the remarks, Russo introduced himself to Minister Tajani and conveyed COPOMIAO’s opposition to the new law. He explained that the Italian American community feels unjustly penalized by a policy aimed at curbing abuses reportedly originating in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. Russo emphasized that Italian Americans remain deeply proud of their heritage, but the law sends a troubling signal — that Italy may no longer be proud to claim us in return.

Russo underscored the importance of maintaining the historical and emotional ties that bind the diaspora to its ancestral homeland and cautioned that the law could significantly weaken this relationship.

While Tajani listened attentively, Russo sensed the minister may not have been fully briefed on the community’s concerns. He concluded the exchange by requesting that Italian Americans be given the opportunity to engage directly with the appropriate Italian officials to explore reasonable revisions to the law, ones that would reopen a path to dual citizenship in the near-term.

Russo will provide further updates once those discussions are scheduled and held.

In the meantime, Russo co-organized a sold out genealogy and dual citizenship seminar at Pittsburgh’s Smithsonian Heinz History Center on June 1, and has been working directly with Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill — including Congressmen Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Mike Rulli (R-OH) — to educate the public and address this pressing matter on a diplomatic level.