These days, in some families (Genovese, Gambino) you still have to be 100% Italian to be made.
In those weaker and smaller...on your dad's side.
You don't have to prove your roots. Your lastname is either Italian or isn't.
And most guys that get involved are from the same areas\neighborhoods.
In the United States those groups of people you mentioned are considered powerful by the media; but compared to ones in Italy from the island, they are weak and unorganized. But Mr. Stanfa is correct compared to where he is from, the United States and IOC here is "like Kindergarten".
Either way the idea that you simply must be completely Italian, or have an Italian last name or heritage on your father's side in order to join or be "made" is a myth. At one time 100s of years ago or close to 70 years ago it was like that but it has not been that way for decades.
