Dual Citizen: A Crucial Issue for Trump's Administration

Dr Paola Lovisetti Scamihorn authored one of the articles collected in the Inaugural Issue of REKH MAGAZINE PAPERS, dedicated to Trump Economics and freely downloadable from this bilingual platform (also available on Amazon). This interview, on the occasion of the magazine's release, offers the opportunity to delve into a topic which is underestimated in the Italian current debate about Trump's policies

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By Primavera Fisogni

First and foremost, Dr Lovisetti Scamihorn, as the editor-in-chief of Rekh Magazine and the curator of the quarterly printed review Rekh Magazine Papers, I would like to express my gratitude for the paper you wrote for the Inaugural Issue recently published. You are Italian, and your husband is American. In your article, you noted a kind of reticence in dialogue with American friends. Does this reflect the discomfort surrounding discussions about the Trump administration? Why do you think this happens?

Dear Dr Fisogni, first of all, I would like to express my gratitude for offering me the opportunity to collaborate with you and Rekh Magazine again. Yes, as I wrote in my article, I noticed a kind of reticence among most Americans in participating in my interviews. In the United States, talking publicly about politics has traditionally been avoided, and now even more so. This might sound a little strange to an Italian, as in our country it is common to discuss different political topics. At the moment, as I perceive from many American friends, there is a lot of discontent and discomfort among the population about the present administration, also from people who supported it in the past.

While all aspects of Trump's economic policies are expected to 'make America great again', the President's approach to immigration seems to contradict the most authentic American values. Do you agree?

Yes, I completely agree. The United States of America is a country shaped by immigration. Aside from Native Americans, who are the only true indigenous people of the land, most Americans are descendants of immigrants from different parts of the world, including Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Although the original Constitution did not focus on immigrants, it created a system that could grow and change over time. Later amendments, especially the Fourteenth Amendment, helped include immigrants and their children by guaranteeing equal protection and birthright citizenship. This fact shows that immigration has played a central role in shaping American society and its laws.

President Trump is the son of German immigrants. Why are his politics so hostile towards immigrants?

European immigration to what is now the United States began in the early 1600s. Immigration laws in the late 1800s and early 1900s were not as strict because the United States needed workers and settlers to grow their economy, build railroads, farms, and cities. There were very few restrictions based on nationality, and the focus was mostly on health conditions and basic criminal checks rather than quotas. More strict limits came later, such as the Immigration Act of 1924, which set national quotas to reduce immigration from certain countries. Before that, the United States welcomed millions of immigrants to help the country expand and grow economically.

Trump’s grandparents (Trumpf) immigrated to the United States from Germany in the late 1800s, and his mother later immigrated from Scotland in the 1930s. In addition, two of his wives were immigrants: one from Czechoslovakia and his current one from Slovenia. Therefore, his children are also sons of immigrants.

His hostile politics towards immigrants are not directed at all immigrants, he says, but against illegal immigration. He and his family came to the United States. through legal immigration, and he believes immigration should be limited and strictly controlled. Critics say this is contradictory because his family benefited from previous immigration laws while his policies now make it harder for others. My explanation is that the Administration no longer feels the need for more immigrants to support economic growth. His politics suggest that the United States is economically self-sufficient. Therefore, his general immigration policy is based mainly on economics, not on identity or perceived threats.

The topic of 'dual citizenship' is now under discussion in the US. Secretary of State Rubio. Why is this a crucial issue? What will change as a result?

Dual citizenship is protected because the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings treat citizenship as a fundamental right that the government cannot take away. This allows Americans to hold citizenship in another country without losing their United States citizenship. It also allows them to visit family or maintain business abroad, reinforcing the concept that the United States is built on immigrants.

Marco Rubio’s and his colleague Bernie Moreno’s politics today seem different from their past positions and their family backgrounds. Both are sons of immigrants and once supported immigrant-friendly policies, but now they support stricter immigration rules. Some people see this as contradictory. Indeed, it is very contradictory, and I wouldn’t expect a law banning dual citizenship to ever pass.

© Copyright Rekh Magazine

Paola Lovisetti Scamihorn is a researcher, cookbook author, and nutrition expert originally from Como, Italy. She holds a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Milan and a Master’s in Medical and Pharmaceutical Research from Brussels.

Paola’s career as a scientist took her to Belgium and Austria, where she worked within the Scientific Department of the European Commission, gaining deep insight into the international and administrative dimensions of high-level research.

Upon returning to Italy, she transitioned her expertise toward the world of gastronomy, nutrition, and wellness. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother and mother, she seamlessly blends Italian culinary heritage with modern creativity. Beyond her research, she is the creator of the blog Passion and Cooking (www.passionandcooking.com), a contributor to international magazines, and a host of authentic Italian culinary experiences.

Her published works include Love is Eating, The Mamma Mia! Diet, Honestly Healthy, and Coronavirus: The “New Normal”, with editions available in English, Danish, and Italian.

In addition to her work in nutrition, Paola is a specialized wedding and event planner, curating bespoke events across Lake Como and Tuscany. Having previously lived in London, Brussels, and Innsbruck, she is currently living in Como with her family.