Commentary on Judgment No. 20075 of 22/07/2024: Expulsion and Family Rights

The judgment No. 20075 of July 22, 2024, of the Court of Cassation represents an important turning point in the matter of the right to expulsion of foreign citizens. In particular, it highlights the need to consider, in the opposition to an expulsion decree, the family ties of the foreign citizen, the duration of their stay, and ties to their country of origin. This ruling is based on a careful reading of the current regulations, particularly Legislative Decree No. 286 of 1998, which governs immigration in Italy.

The Regulatory Context

The Court of Cassation recalled Article 19, paragraph 1.1, of Legislative Decree No. 286 of 1998, which establishes the prohibition of expulsion as a general protective norm. This prohibition applies not only in the cases referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2 bis, but also in opposition to expulsion decrees issued pursuant to Article 14, paragraph 5 ter. The Court emphasized that the judge must consider the risk that removal may violate the right to respect for private and family life, a principle also enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 8.

Opposition to the expulsion decree - Measure issued pursuant to Article 14, paragraph 5 ter, of Legislative Decree No. 286 of 1998 - Need to consider the family ties of the foreign citizen, the duration of stay, and the existence of ties to the country of origin - Existence - Case. The prohibition of expulsion provided for by Article 19, paragraph 1.1, of Legislative Decree No. 286 of 1998 has the value of a general protective norm, which means that, even in the opposition judgment to the expulsion ordered under Article 14, paragraph 5 ter, of the same legislative decree, and not only in the case referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2 bis, the justice of the peace must take into account the risk that removal from the national territory may lead to a violation of the right to respect for the private and family life of the foreign citizen, specifically examining the nature and effectiveness of their family ties, the duration of their stay in the national territory, and the existence of family, cultural, and social ties with their country of origin. (In this case, the Supreme Court annulled the contested expulsion decree, as the opposition judge had not considered the condition of non-removability of the foreign citizen, who had previously requested the issuance of a residence permit for special protection).

Practical Implications of the Judgment

This ruling has important practical implications for expulsion proceedings. In particular, the judge must conduct a detailed analysis of the personal situation of the foreign citizen, taking into account the following aspects:

  • The nature and effectiveness of family ties.
  • The duration of stay in Italian territory.
  • The presence of cultural and social ties with the country of origin.

The Court reiterated that the absence of an adequate assessment of these factors can lead to the annulment of the expulsion order. This approach reflects an attempt to balance the needs of public safety with the respect for fundamental human rights.

Conclusions

In conclusion, judgment No. 20075 of July 22, 2024, represents a step forward in the protection of the rights of foreign citizens in Italy. It emphasizes the importance of a personalized approach in managing expulsions, taking into account the specific circumstances of each individual. The Court of Cassation, through this decision, reaffirms the value of rights to private and family life, placing the person at the center of the legal discussion on immigration.

Bianucci Law Firm