How Many Americans Claim Italian Ancestry?
Use the free tool — ItalianDaily
How many Americans claim Italian ancestry?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), more than 17 million Americans claim Italian ancestry. This is one of the main reasons so many people in the United States start learning Italian, whether to reconnect with family history or to look into citizenship by descent.
Why does this number matter for learners?
Italian is also the 7th most-studied language in the world, according to the Duolingo Language Report 2025. Together, family heritage and global popularity explain why interest in Italian keeps growing.
- Source: Duolingo Language Report 2025
- Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS
Does learning Italian help with citizenship by descent?
Not by itself. Citizenship by descent requires a B1-level CILS or CELI certificate issued by the Università per Stranieri di Siena. A course built around A1-level situations — greetings, work, the doctor, the apartment, the bank — is a starting point, not a finish line.
- This is not legal advice. Confirm the exact language requirement and any deadlines directly with the Università per Stranieri di Siena.
What does a course like ItalianDaily actually offer?
ItalianDaily is built around real situations: greetings, work, the doctor, the apartment, the bank. It uses listen-and-speak drills and spaced repetition. There is no account, no ads, and no hearts.
- The course covers A1-level situations only, not the B1 level needed for citizenship.
- Two paid plans are listed: $4.99 and $29. The material does not explain what each plan includes, so check the pricing page for details before buying.
- The material does not say whether anything you type or paste into the tool is stored or reused. Check the site's own terms or contact support for that answer.
What to do next
Start with your own reason for learning: family history, travel, or an eventual citizenship application. Then check ItalianDaily's own site for its current lessons and pricing, and confirm any citizenship-related language requirement directly with the Università per Stranieri di Siena before you plan around it.