Possible migrant discrimination in focus as Italy grants citizenship to Javier Milei

Italy has granted citizenship to Javier Milei, President of Argentina, sparking intense backlash from opposition politicians and netizens. The opposition sought to compare Milei’s treatment to the difficulties faced by children born in Italy to migrant parents.

In Italy, citizenship rules are based on blood relations. It means that distant descendants of Italian nationals can also claim Italian citizenship. But the requirements for foreigners born in Italy or those migrating into the country are much stricter.

Pro-migrant groups are suggesting holding a referendum to ease the aforementioned rules. But Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition opposes any relaxation. One critic of the recent decision called it an act of “intolerable discrimination” against young people.

Migrant discrimination in Italy?

The President of Argentina is currently in Rome to meet PM Meloni and attend her Brothers of Italy political party’s annual event on Saturday. One media report highlighted that Milei has been granted Italian citizenship, though no further details are provided.

In one of his earlier trips to Italy in February, Milei noted that he felt “75% Italian” since three of his grandparents had Italian origins and that he had an incredible passion for Italian opera, according to a report in FirstPost.

President Milei and PM Meloni have established a close relationship. Nonetheless, the migrant situation in Italy and the broader Europe should be paid more attention to as thousands of asylum seekers make the perilous Channel Crossings on small boats.

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