“Why would you want to have dual citizenship?” I’ve gotten this question so many times, and every instance I reflect on my decision to embark on a journey that was so very important to me. I vividly remember the first time I actually lusted after a second passport. I was in grad school in Italy getting my Masters in Fashion, and at the end of my program I was able to do an internship through my school. There were two choices: 1. Complete my internship in a group project directly through my school, or 2. Do an independent internship directly through a company in Italy – which required an EU Passport. Well we all want what we can’t have right? I remember being so disappointed that I couldn’t go work for Emilio Pucci, or even work in the Gucci offices in Florence. I’m an independent spirit at heart, and one of my only regrets in life is that I didn’t figure out how to get dual citizenship sooner. *Don’t feel bad for me just yet – I did get to do my group internship for Versace, and got to present to their top executives* After grad school, I talked my parents into letting me move to England for 3 months (the only “allowable” time frame for someone who does not hold an EU passport). *shout out to my amazing parents who supported my craziest of dreams at that time* I did a PR internship while I was there, and although I loved my experience, London was not for me. I went back to the US, having reverse culture shock, and having such intense emotions around my exposure of life outside of the US. The process started with a google search. A friend of mine had her British passport, and I knew she wasn’t born there, so I began investigating how you could possibly be privileged enough to have two passports (without having to marry someone). - I come from a smaller town, so while to some this may seem like a no brainer, I was in uncharted territory. – My google search turned into hours, and hours turned into days. I knew I was Italian, and that I had relatives there (I actually got to visit villages in Italy on both sides of my family!) Here is what I found out:
Here is what I actually needed to compile:
--> All Documents needed to THEN be translated into Italian, and had to have an Apostille (it authenticates signatures on all documents, and is recognized by foreign countries). FAST FORWARD to my appointment - I was so nervous, because I have heard of instances where you could be denied (I mean they are Italians - I had lived in Italy long enough to know that they do whatever they want) for any reason. Well, I walked in as an American Citizen, and walked out with an Italian Passport in hand! Getting my second passport was personally important to me. Here are the main reasons why I got a second passport, and why I worked so hard to get it:
I did this for me, and this is enough of a reason. <3 Here are some helpful links if you are looking to get your Italian Dual Citizenship: San Francisco Italian Consulate: click here Register for an Appointment: click here Information on Citizenship: click here This was a great one stop shop, and explains everything clearly: click here Have a great week everyone! :)
3 Comments
Barbara Sbragia
4/16/2018 01:58:57 pm
You are one amazing woman! I am so impressed by all of your accomplishments.
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Dominique
4/28/2018 10:54:28 pm
Thank you so much Barb. You've inspired me in so many ways, and I am thankful for you. If it weren't for strong women in my life, I don't know where I'd be! <3
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Zunash Ashiq Ali
5/15/2019 06:30:47 am
Interesting read! keep amusing us with your blogs:)
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about me.Bellisima = "Extremely Beautiful" in Italian, and how i would describe the world, and how I view it through travel. Archives
May 2018
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