Italian citizenship still pending

A little over two years ago, I had an appointment at the Italian Consulate in California to give them all of my papers to obtain Italian citizenship through my grandfather who was born in Italy. At the time of my appointment, I was told that the process would take about two years and I had hoped they were just being a little pessimistic, but I guess they were just being optimistic.

After not hearing anything from them except for responses to my emails, I received an email last week stating that a document was missing from my pratica (file/dossier). I had been told during my appointment two years ago that my marriage license was missing and I had sent that to them within a few weeks.

I had contacted the Italian Consulate in California once last September because I wanted to see if it'd be faster if I went through Italy to get my citizenship. I was told that it might be even longer because my pratica would be placed at the end of the line, so I decided to leave it all with them. At that time, the woman at the Italian Consulate told me that I should get my citizenship anytime between July and December of 2006.

I had to go to the American Consulate in Florence to get an affidavit notarized. The memory of my visit to the American Consulate last year still seemed fresh in my mind, but I tried to not think too much about it. The room for visas was full with people occupying every seat and standing in the halls. The room for American services was empty and air conditioned. I felt almost guilty that I didn't have to wait at all.

I handed over my affidavit to the girl behind the glass wall. She read it thoroughly, put a few red stamps on it, and asked me for my $30. She called the consul out and he read the document again himself. He told me to sign it and then asked me to raise my right hand and swear that the information on the document was true. He then signed the document and handed it back to me. The process was quick and painless.

As I walked out of the Consulate, I felt one step closer to getting my Italian citizenship. I bought a special cardboard envelope and went to the Post office to send it to the Italian Consulate. I just hope that they will be able to work on my pratica and send me some good news soon.

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