Residence is repeatedly cited as the criterion for affiliation: "If [someone] lives there," meaning Italy, Violi explains, "he can't be one of us." To this Cuffaro says: "Yes, compare Paolo. But let's assume that I come from Italy with a letter and you know that I am a friend. I chink you have the right to respect me as a friend and I to do my duty toward you, right? There is no doubt, if Italy acknowledges [someone] and sends him here, hasn't he the same rights and duties?" Violi responds: "No ... it's different. If he lives here with us and we acknowledge him here, when the moment [of initiation] comes, everything will be all right."

DEFINE: The exchange clarifies that residency within the community—not origin or letters of introduction—is the operative criterion for mafia membership and initiation.

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 300