If voters back the proposal, foreigners without Italian ancestry could apply for citizenship after five years, bringing the country’s immigration rules in line with Germany and France. About half of Italy’s 5.4mn foreign residents could be eligible to apply for citizenship immediately, proponents say.

Sonny Olumati was born in Rome and has lived in Italy all his life but the country he calls home does not recognise him as its own. To Italy, Sonny is Nigerian, like his passport, and the 39-year-old is only welcome as long as his latest residence permit.