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Thinking of immigrating to Italy - am I insane? (lemmy.world)

submitted 5 days ago by AHamSandwich@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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Hi all! This is an alt for anonymity. Please be gentle, this is a hard topic for me to discuss.

I'm a progressive United States citizen who is looking to get out. I'm of Italian descent so I'm working on getting Italian citizenship through jure sanguinis, but it's going to take some time, if it works at all (gotta substantiate some relations) and won't extend to my husband until he completes a citizenship test, which he can do after living in Italy for two years.

Here's my big question: is moving to Italy even a good idea?

I know there's a significant element of fascism there, but that seems to be the case to varying extents throughout Europe. I've visited a few times as a tourist and everyone was very kind. I also have a US cousin that lives there as a permanent resident near Napoli and she is very encouraging, saying people will be welcoming. We don't want much, just to make a living and maybe have a kid.

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[–] SuluBeddu@feddit.it 19 points 5 days ago

Hi, Italian here

Italy, like many European countries, had strong social-democratic foundations. Many state jobs, strong state education, one of the best state healthcares out there, strong labour laws with contracts made by unions with specific job sectors.

That's now mostly on paper, and things change significantly from region to region. For example Emilia Romagna is still pretty strong on those, but go to the south and you'll see state school buildings being closed because they might collapse, or not offering any heating or A/C for the kids. Public healthcare is now very understaffed in most regions.

As for labour laws, companies aren't exactly too happy giving the expected raises or following work hours, and unskilled jobs are a disaster of underpay and unpaid overtime.

In general, social cohesion is hit or miss. Sure,most people are welcoming and friendly, but many of them are not paying all of their taxes. You're friends with the person in front of you, not with your whole nation.

Now that I broke some of the possible expectations: yes it's a good idea to come here. With time you will find some job, especially in the north and centre regions, just prepare for high rents in big cities and you'll be fine. Oh and possibly find somebody to help with taxes. If you decide for Rome, Napoli or Palermo, don't drive right away, take your time to learn how people drive here, what to expect etc