this post was submitted on 27 Mar 2025
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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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[–] puntinoblue@lemmy.ml 6 points 4 days ago

Trump isn’t fascism, it’s authoritarian sure but he’s in it for his own criminal financial gain. For his self enrichment he mobilises the fascist tools of nationalism and division but it isn’t the rigorous ideology of state and society of fascism that he promotes: It’s more of a kleptocratic autocracy. Trump will destabilize the U.S. economy for his own profit, likely shifting reserves into $Trump crypto while China and Russia pick up the pieces. So moving to Italy is an excellent idea. It’s beautiful, the weather’s good, you might well have problems finding well paid work but you’ll eat well - what more could you want!

[–] RandomVideos@programming.dev 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Be careful. If you move to Italy, you might start hating people over how they eat food(like eating spaghetti with bread)

[–] AHamSandwich@lemmy.world 3 points 4 days ago

Hah, I know exactly what you're talking about. I've been on the "double carbs bad" train for awhile, but I don't care when other people do it.

[–] HarkMahlberg@kbin.earth 11 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Just wanna say warm wishes, share your research if you find anything.

[–] tlekiteki@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 5 days ago

If you contribute financially you will find a warmer welcome, I guess

[–] ocean@lemmy.selfhostcat.com 7 points 5 days ago (2 children)

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!

[–] OmegaLemmy@discuss.online 4 points 5 days ago (1 children)

How do you move to china??

[–] ocean@lemmy.selfhostcat.com 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

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.

[–] OmegaLemmy@discuss.online 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Hm, maybe I should learn Chinese after German haha

[–] ocean@lemmy.selfhostcat.com 2 points 4 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 5 points 5 days ago (1 children)

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

[–] ocean@lemmy.selfhostcat.com 6 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 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.

[–] folaht@lemmy.ml 5 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I say go for it. You have better luck getting rid of fascism in Europe than you have in the US. Just know that if US influence is waning over this part of the world, it means US democrat as well. And China will likely become the new big influence on the region if not Russia. And such a transition will be very violent.

This is true, if Europe goes fascist the Americans will invade and bring y'all some more freedom. If the United States goes fascist we're all just screwed.

[–] Stizzah@lemmygrad.ml 4 points 5 days ago (1 children)

You know that you will have to keep paying taxes to the US, right?

[–] Pherenike@lemmy.ml 3 points 5 days ago (1 children)
[–] Samsuma@lemmy.ml 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-residents-abroad-filing-requirements

If you are a U.S. citizen or resident living or traveling outside the United States, you generally are required to file income tax returns, estate tax returns, and gift tax returns and pay estimated tax in the same way as those residing in the United States.

If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien, the rules for filing income, estate, and gift tax returns and paying estimated tax are generally the same whether you are in the United States or abroad. You are subject to tax on worldwide income from all sources and must report all taxable income and pay taxes according to the Internal Revenue Code.

The question is asked probably because there's no real way of avoiding the empire's grip if you're born into it, even if you naturalize as a citizen of another country.

[–] Pherenike@lemmy.ml 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Holy fuck! I didn't know that.

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[–] pastermil@sh.itjust.works 4 points 5 days ago

Oh hey, we're kinda on the same boat here (without the jure sanguinis part). Probably would try to get to a university instead. A big bet, I know, but there's not much to go on here either.

[–] Bloomcole@lemmy.ml 2 points 4 days ago

I'm not too fond of the plenty Americans having the same idea.
Stay there.

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