Permit of Stay (Permesso di Soggiorno) based on a point system???

The Italian Senate has approved a Lega Nord's proposal to modify so called "security laws" in regards to foreigners in Italy. These modifications have been called racist and inhuman by Walter Veltroni, leader of the opposition.

This article from Corriere de la Sera (in Italian,) talks about the changes encompassed by the new laws: higher fees to apply for a permit to stay (80 to 200 euro), the possibility for doctors to denounce any illegal alien, the legalization of non-armed community watch groups, and a point based system as a regulation for acquiring and keeping a permit of stay.

The Catholic church, as well as many doctors have stated that they will continue to help poor inmigrants that need their help. Doctors Without Borders' director in Italy, Kostas Moschochoritis, one of the promotors of Non siamo spie (We are not spies) has appealed to the lower house to review the law -as it moves from the Senate to the Chamber of Deputies next week.

Healthcare restrictions are the most controversial changes proposed, and I hope the Chamber does not pass them.

Closer to home is the issue of the point system to regulate the permit of stay. If you are an expat in Italy, you are likely to have a permit of stay (P di S), or you have applied for one, or you are waiting for the renewal of it. Now, the permit will have a base of 10 points assigned after the foreigner subscribes to an Integration Agreement. This Agreement requieres of the foreign citizen the following:

-A minimal knowledge of the Italian language (a certificate relating to the minimal standards set by the European Council regarding European common languages)

-Adherence to the Values Act of citizenship and integration, corresponding to the Home Secretary decree of the 23th of April 2007

- Basic knowledge of the main rules of the legal order. Its’ obedience is an essential requirement for peaceful living.

Confused? I am. I read this article (in English) which tries to break down the proposal, while evaluating its possible consequences, and I am frightened by these changes. Today, it is difficult enough to apply for a Permit to Stay, trying to navigate a bureaucratic sea of paperwork, while patiently awaiting the arrival of the card, only to start all over again. I cannot imagine the nightmare it would become if an Italian test and an assimilation test are required in order to apply.

What do you think? Do you have any insight into this matter? Please leave your comment.

American

I am so proud. I am an American now, just in time to witness history in the making.

We had an impromptu celebration / inauguration viewing party last night. My good friend Debbie (a born American living in Italy), her children, my husband Fernando, Nicolas and I (the one with the brand new passport, and the one that did not get to vote) got together to cheer and celebrate. I cooked a great Chili con Carne recipe, baked some cornbread, had some guacamole, and sourcream on the side, and a good bottle of espumante to celebrate American-Italian style!

We watched every detail of the inauguration thanks to CNN international, it was a memorable experience. I am glad Nicolas is old enough to participate and to rejoice with us. He is so proud of his country, and this was an emotional moment for him too.

I became an American on December 19th, 2008, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, along with some other 5999 residents scheduled for that day. I traveled by myself back to California for the ceremony, and was surprised to find out that one of my best friends was also scheduled for the same day and time.


I was moved by the ceremony, and by the judge's words. She said that even though we were Americans now, we did not have to renounce to our culture, our traditions, or our beliefs. What a great country America is, that will take us all, different as we are, and will empower us to unite in our diversity.

The citizenship saga continues...

I am leaving tomorrow for California as I have an important appointment that I must keep. I have my test and interview appointment for my American citizenship on Tuesday. This is my third trip this year, and I still have one more to go... The last trip will be the one to celebrate, as it would be the citizenship ceremony!!!

I am studying from the Quick Civic Lessons booklet that I was given on my last appointment. I am lucky as I get to take the easy test, and not the new one which everyone says is more difficult. I think any other test would be more difficult than answering What color are the stars on our flag? Or Who nominates judges for the Supreme Court? Really.

I will be gone until Thursday, and if I am lucky I would be able to post. Wish me luck with my interview, as this is what really matters this time around.

This is a bittersweet moment as I won't be able to vote in this election, but I am getting my blue passport! I am very excited about it!

See you soon

Well it seems like Winter arrived early this year...

As overheard by my husband at our local bar this morning.
I am back to a VERY rainy Italy... enough is enough. I am wearing a feather down vest on June 16th! I bet you it will be sunny from the moment we leave for Colombia... Good thing I love the rain!
All my paperwork went well, and my unorthodox re-entry went well as well. Thank you all for your good energy. Now, if we could all focus on making the rain stop, everything would be perfect!

Too busy for words.

Have you checked my giveaway yet? Hurry up, comments close on Friday, June 4th at 8:00 AM- Italian time (GMT+2.)

I am running in circles trying to finish a big project, while at the same time arranging a (not planned) trip back to the States. I do not want to bore you with the details but it has to do with my resident status and my application to citizenship. To make matters worse, I have no "legal" status in Italy yet, which can be a problem on my way back. Ah! The joys of having a Colombian passport! As I find myself "between a rock and a hard place," we are taking an unorthodox solution to the problem. I won't give out any more details, but keep me in your mind as I can use all the good energy available.

Not everything is stress and work in this corner of the world though. Yesterday Italy celebrated "Republic" day. Business, schools and shops were all closed, making the weekend a long one. We took full advantage of it, running a local 6K on Friday and a 10K on Sunday (Fernando came in 3rd from all the men from our little town.) We also took a day trip to Bergamo (città alta) on Monday. We enjoyed the beautiful town, the view, the many available pastries. All in all a fabulous weekend!