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.

  • oceanAEnglish
    10·
    4 days ago

    I’m comparing my options with the US, China, and Japan. All three have their issues but quality of life is much higher in the latter two.

    I would consider Italy to similarly have a much higher quality of life which is worth it with all politics aside.

    You comment about Italy having been fascist, and I would respond with no matter what you think about the political situation in China life is leagues above that in the US. Point being it would very much be worth it!

      • oceanAEnglish
        3·
        4 days ago

        For me I would stay with family and apply for a PR. For people in general it’s very easy to come over to work or study.

        I’ve dealt with US and Chinese immigration a lot recently and got to say Chinese immigration almost made me cry with how efficient and kind they were versus the US. US took years, hundreds of pages, thousands of dollars, and rude staff. Recently Chinese immigration interaction they only took three days and they called and fixed a mistake for us. They realized I could get a better visa than I applied for and did the paperwork and applied for me without an extra charge.

          • oceanAEnglish
            2·
            3 days ago

            It’s a very cool language. Its grammar is dead easy causing me to think it’s actually not that hard! :)

            China is also a very nice place. Two things from my latest visit that are new to me:

            One how much Chinese families put children before all else. I always knew this but didn’t experience it until I had my own. It’s so sweet how many random people are kind because you have a child. I rarely experience this in the US.

            Two how above and beyond family members go to treat you well. You want to do or consume anything, they treat you to it. Meals made for you. Clothes washed. You’re your parents, or parents in laws, child forever. In America, I find even with the sweetest parents a line is drawn after you turn 18. In China no task is too small for a Chinese parent to do. My love language is spoken but China makes me fully understand how much more meaningful action is. You can say anything but will you actually do anything at a minutes notice?

            Just thought I’d share some positive experiences I’ve had :)

    • Inf_V@kbin.earth
      6·
      4 days ago

      I’d vote with Japan tbh. there’s some communities of foreigners that live around Tokyo usually.

      • oceanAEnglish
        6·
        4 days ago

        That’s our vote too currently :)

        Plenty of Chinese and Americans in Tokyo and the best parts of China plus more. Also, a good location between the other two countries. If China didn’t have such a pollution problem it might be a more difficult choice. I really cherish the pristine nature in the US and Japan.