From Reunification to Cohesion: Navigating the Path to Family Reunion in Italy (PART 1)

The term "family reunification (reunion)" and the expression "cohesion of a foreign family member with an Italian citizen," although closely related and often used interchangeably in common language, have nuances and specific contexts that distinguish their use and meaning in the framework of legislation and migration policies in Italy.

Family Reunification

Family reunification is a legally regulated procedure that allows non-EU citizens, who are already legally residing in a country, to bring and live with certain close family members (such as spouses, minor children, dependent parents) who are in another country. This process is governed by well-defined criteria, which include having a guaranteed minimum income, adequate housing, and meeting certain health and safety requirements. Family reunification is, therefore, a procedure focused on the legal and bureaucratic aspect of physically uniting family members.

Cohesion of a Foreign Family Member with an Italian Citizen

The expression "cohesion of a foreign family member with an Italian citizen," while not being a formally defined technical term in legislation, can be interpreted more broadly than simple family reunification. It refers not only to the legal process that allows foreign family members of Italian citizens to enter and reside in Italy but also encompasses a broader concept that includes the social, cultural, and economic integration of these family members into Italian society. In this sense, cohesion implies a set of policies, services, and supports aimed at facilitating the adaptation and insertion of the foreign family member, promoting a real connection with the host community beyond just physical presence in the country.

Key Differences

- Scope of Application: Family reunification has a well-defined legal and bureaucratic scope, while family cohesion also extends to social aspects and integration.

- Objectives: The main objective of family reunification is to physically reunite family members, while cohesion also aims to ensure that the foreign family member effectively integrates into Italian society.

- Criteria and Requirements: Family reunification is subject to specific criteria such as income and type of housing. Cohesion, although not having formalized criteria, requires an active commitment from institutions and civil society to support integration.

In conclusion, while family reunification focuses on overcoming legal barriers for the physical union of family members, the cohesion of a foreign family member with an Italian citizen implies a broader vision that includes the 360-degree integration of the family member into the life of the host country.