Contrary to expectations, young foreigners (53.1 percent) support less frequently than their Italian peers (59.5 percent) the right for migrant children born in Italy to get automatic Italian citizenship, known as 'ius soli', according to a survey of 11-to-19-year-olds carried out by national statistics agency Istat -- 'Children and youths 2023'.

Researchers explained that the low percentage of Chinese youths in favor of 'ius soli' (20 percent) significantly influences the overall figure for young foreigners.

Also read: Advocacy campaign: Migrant regularizations in Italy face significant delays

Chinese and Ukrainians less in favor of measure

Chinese and Ukrainians are less in favor of the measure due to the lack of dual citizenship.

The reluctance of Chinese children and teens is linked to the fact that China does not recognize dual citizenship. Excluding the Chinese community, the percentage of foreigners supporting 'ius soli' rises to 56.7 percent.

Similarly, Ukrainians are also more cautious about 'ius soli,' with just over 50 percent in favor, according to the survey.

Istat noted that Ukraine currently does not allow dual citizenship. Draft legislation to introduce it was under consideration but was halted following the conflict with Russia.

Also read: Over one million Italians are without citizenship - IDOS

Being Italian means 'being born in Italy' for youths

Overall, 62.3 percent of foreign respondents said they would like to become Italian, 25.6 percent were uncertain, and 12.1 percent were not interested.

Among Chinese youths, only 15 percent expressed interest in Italian citizenship, whereas interest was very high among Albanians, nearly 70 percent, a group generally inclined to acquire Italian citizenship.

For respondents aged 11 to 19, "being born in Italy" was a key aspect of being Italian, as found in the survey. However, this was more frequently chosen by Italian respondents (54 percent) than by their foreign peers (45.7 percent).

"Respecting Italian laws and traditions" was the second most common choice overall (47.7 percent), but it was the top choice for foreign children and teens born abroad.

"Speaking Italian" was chosen by 32 percent of those polled. This option was more frequently selected by Chinese respondents (41.4 percent), who likely consider Italian particularly hard to learn and a potential element of exclusion.

Only 31 percent selected "feeling Italian." Foreign respondents chose this option less frequently, likely aware that merely feeling Italian is not enough, according to Istat researchers.

Country of birth, female vs. male respondents

The importance attributed to the country of birth is also reflected in the fact that young respondents generally favored the acquisition of citizenship based on 'ius soli,' where foreign children born in Italy automatically become citizens.

A reported 58.9 percent of those polled thought those who were born in Italy should immediately become citizens, while 21.7 percent said migrant children born in Italy should become Italian citizens only after a period of residence.

Female respondents were much more in favor of 'ius soli' (64.6 percent) than their male counterparts (53.6 percent), the survey found.

Also read: Campaign to change Italy's path to citizenship gathering pace