A cue from Napolitano

Malta like Italy still does not grant automatic citizenship to the children of immigrants and foreign residents who legally live here and contribute to the wealth of the nation.

In our country there is a growing category of people who study in our schools, who can speak our language and who grow up in Malta but who are constantly reminded that they are not Maltese. They may grow to live their entire life in Malta without ever having the right to vote and to enjoy the full benefits of EU membership bestowed upon to Maltese citizens.

Even their right to a free university education is not automatic as they have to make a plea in front of an exemptions board, which is generally granted but is not automatic. Even work permits have to be renewed from time to time. Even travelling abroad can be a nightmare for these people.

Basically people in this situation are granted rights on a case by case basis.

Some of these are the sons and daughters of immigrants fleeing wars or human rights violations. Others are the sons and daughters of foreign workers who have legally stayed by having their work permits renewed from time to time to contribute to our economy.

The only way to become citizens is through "naturalisation" which is also granted on a case by case basis.

Our politicians prefer ignoring their legitimate plight instead of angering the redneck constituency which holds politicians hostage.

Across the Sicilian channel, the fall of the Berlusconi government which was held hostage by the populist and xenophobic Lega Nord, has cleared the way for a law which would probably find support across the ideological spectrum.

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano could not have been more clear on this issue. "I hope that Parliament can address the issue of citizenship for children born to foreign immigrants in Italy," Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said. "Denying it," he added, "is a true folly, an absurdity. The children themselves have this wish."

The President's proposal has gained support across the ideological spectrum from Pier Ferdinando Casini, the leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union  to Niki Vendola, the left wing politician who is the president of the Puglia region.

Ignazio Marino, senator of the centre left Democratic Party, has presented a proposal signed by 113 senators that modifies a law established in 1992 and grants Italian citizenship to any child born in Italy regardless of the parents' citizenship.

Introducing a similar law in Malta would be a real step towards social inclusion. It sends the message that we want to build an outward looking, dynamic and inclusive society.

It also recognises the contribution of migrants to the sustainability of our pension system and economic development.

It is positive that in the past years Maltese society has become  more inclusive towards minorities like gays and separated couples. But unfortunately the liberal/progressive agenda within the PL is very limited when it comes issues affecting people of a different ethnicity. The PN has also failed in applying Christian democratic values based on the dignity of the person, in addressing this fundamental issue. 

No backbencher from the current duopoly has emerged or is likely to emerge to propose a private members bill on such an issue. 

In view of this stalemate, will our President George Abela, who has a positive track record on immigration issues having spoken against long period of detention for asylum seekers in the past, act as a moral leader on this issue?  I sincerely hope so.