We the undersigned support the continuation of U.S. State Department services to the thousands of Americans living in central Italy through a U.S. Consulate based in Florence.

As reported by the Italian and international press, the U.S. State Department is considering the closure of the U.S. Consulate in Florence.  

The news is both disturbing and understandable.

It is disturbing because the consulate today serves thousands of U.S. citizens, who are living in Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and the Republic of San Marino, not to mention the hundreds of American students who every year are in Florence enrolled in some 30+ programs at U.S.-based and international universities in Tuscany.

It is understandable because the closure will be another step toward reducing record-high levels of America's annual deficit and national debt.

To ensure the U.S. can continue to serve the needs of its citizens living in the affected areas, a compromise can be reached!!!

The petitioners propose either maintaining the current U.S. Consulate or economizing its operation.

The U.S. Consulate is currently housed in Palazzo Calcagnini, an historic nineteenth-century residence situated on the banks of the Arno River.  The size of the building is disproportionately large to the small consular staff.

Consular services could be maintained by moving the staff to a different location and either leasing or selling the U.S.-government-owned Palazzo Calcagnini.

This petition will be submitted by its organizer to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Save the U.S. Consulate in Florence!