Finding out your lineage can uncover some very cool stories. It can also uncover some cool perks.

An increasing number of people are applying for European dual citizenship, but the process is no walk in the park.

People who are trying to get dual citizenship face a long road, and the costs add up too — but if you’re trying to travel for an extended period of time, work or go to school in the E.U., or find costlier health care or education, it could be an investment for yourself and future generations.

“My grandfather came from a very small village in the hills just outside Capo D’Orlando,” said Andrew Bodewes, who sought dual citizenship with Italy. 

Knowing your history came later in life for Andrew Bodewes.

“My grandfather [Charles Crossed] never really shared where he was from,” he said.

Crossed came to America from Southern Italy, but he and his family weren’t exactly welcomed.

“He really tried to assimilate, and never wanted his family to identify necessarily as Italian,” Bodewes explained. 

Late in life, Crossed let it slip.

“He finally said to my mother, 'one day, I wish an airplane would just drop me in Frazzano, [Italy],'” said Bodewes. 

They started digging.

“This is in 1905. It says Ignacio Fragale, and it says he was a laborer," Bodewes pointed out on a piece of paper. "He was 18 years old and he had $8 in his pocket.” 

Bodewes’ mother wanted to connect with that past and get her Italian citizenship.

Eventually they found documents connecting Fragale as Crossed, but to get the court order declaring that, they needed help.

“I tell my clients, they are in for the long haul,” said attorney Caterina Ranieri, whose whole job is dual citizenship services.

“The number one number of clients that I get are Italian. Right behind them are Irish," she said. "Greek is coming to the forefront as well.” 

In New York, especially outside the five boroughs, getting documents proving your lineage can be complex.

“The New York State Department of Health will not give you the birth certificate of a deceased parent or grandparent who was born outside the five boroughs without a court order,” she said.

She deals with a lot of paperwork.

“We need a declaration that Giuseppe, who was born in Italy, with 'Giuseppe,' then he changed his name to Joe, is the same person,” Ranieri said. 

The whole process can take years. Depending how far back you go, it could also cost thousands.

The people are still lining up though, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I would say at least 100%," Ranieri said. "At least doubling of people.”

Perks set aside, for her it’s a way to honor past generations. 

“I feel like I take the history of my clients' ancestors, and I realign their history,” she said. “I set it right.”

Four years after he started, Bodewas is a proud Italian citizen.

“I am going next month, so I'm excited to go for the first time as an Italian citizen,” he said.

He’s not sure he’ll enter with that passport though. 

“My wife doesn't have citizenship, so I might have to wait in the longer line on the American side with her,” he said with a smile.

Either way, it's opened a lot of doors for him, his kids, and dozens of Crossed/Fragale’s other grandkids, cousins or extended family.

“All of that is based on the proof that now is at the consulate in New York that shows that Charles Crossed it is really Ignacio Fragale," Bodewas said. "He left us a great gift to be able to have dual citizenship and I feel like it's just a very neat honor."

You should know if you qualify for dual citizenship before looking for help from a U.S. attorney because that’s another country’s system. 

There are also some countries that won’t allow you to hold multiple citizenships, so you’ll have to check that as well.