ItalMe - Buyer Beware
I began working with ItalMe in 2020, hopeful that I would secure Italian citizenship by 2024. The firm seemed flexible and accommodating at first, and I appreciated their willingness to work with me financially. Despite delays due to the pandemic, things moved along steadily for the first year or so. But cracks began to show. I often had to remind them to invoice me — a strange red flag, given that I was contractually obligated to pay. Still, I stayed optimistic. Then, progress stalled. For over a year, I waited for them to locate a key document related to my grandmother. During this time, communication became increasingly inconsistent. In early 2023, when I reached out regarding an impending divorce and requested guidance, my messages were ignored. I made a difficult personal decision (retaining my married name) based on that silence — something that later caused additional complications. Months passed. Not a word from the firm. It wasn’t until a mistaken mass email — where numerous clients expressed their frustration — that I finally heard back. When they did respond, they verbally admitted my case was one of the worst examples of neglect they had allowed to happen. They also reversed their advice on the name issue, telling me it would now be easier to change back. Despite my growing frustration, I remained hopeful. I updated my documents and recommitted to staying in touch. We even had a follow-up meeting where I explained that I was now single, had sold my home, and was ready to move permanently to Italy. The attorney offered advice on obtaining a long-term visa, but when I fact-checked this information later, it didn’t line up with official sources. Despite requests for clarification of their advice, I never received an explanation. In October 2024, I arranged what turned out to be our final meeting with a witness present to push for clarity. My friend, frustrated by evasive non-answers, stepped in to ask the direct questions I couldn’t get addressed alone. Despite promises, this was one of the last times I heard from them. In this last meeting, I was given confirmation of their way to move to Italy (again, that turned out to be incorrect). In November 2024, I was told my attorney was out sick and would be out of the office for an unspecified period. Since then, nothing but silence — no replies, no updates, just vague platitudes like “we’ll work on that tomorrow.” Even after informing them that I’d received contradictory information from another immigration attorney, my follow-ups went ignored. After nearly five years, twenty thousand dollars, and endless patience, I’ve been left with delays, misinformation, and zero meaningful progress toward citizenship. Now, with changing laws and a possible generational cap, I may be permanently excluded. All I’ve ever asked for is what any client deserves: honesty, clarity, communication, and -most of all - action. I am open to completing this process with them, but I am still waiting for them to hold up their end of the bargain. If you’re considering ItalMe, I strongly urge you to think twice. This firm has cost me time, money, and hope — and worst of all, they still won’t even acknowledge me or the empty contract I now hold.
By M. L.



