Mexico to prohibit presidents from holding dual citizenship

A Mexican constitutional amendment requiring presidential candidates to renounce dual citizenship is advancing towards official approval, despite opposition claiming it infringes on political rights and aims to hinder opposition candidates. President Claudia Sheinbaum has supported the initiative, emphasizing the need for a single flag and homeland for future leaders.

Critics argue the reform creates obstacles for dual-national politicians and could impact generational succession within her ruling Morena party and allied parties. The changes have already been approved by 32 state legislatures and both chambers of the national Congress, pending a formal constitutionality declaration. Mexico's constitution currently lacks an explicit ban on presidential or governor dual citizenship, while only Cuba and Venezuela enforce similar measures in Latin America.

The United States permits dual citizens to serve as president, though the issue has been politically sensitive, with former presidential candidate Ted Cruz renouncing his Canadian citizenship prior to his 2016 campaign. Sheinbaum and her administration assert the citizenship proposal aligns with the party's focus on defending national sovereignty amid rising US President Donald Trump pressure.

However, critics question the speed of its passage and political motives ahead of the 2030 presidential election. The requirement would apply starting in 2028, not affecting current state governors or 2027 midterm candidates. Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas, a vocal critic of the administration, opposes the bill, suggesting it was designed to block his potential presidential bid.

Salinas later clarified he holds no dual citizenship, though verifying his citizenship status has proven challenging. A Morena party source claims the reform targets Salinas's possible run. American Society of Mexico president Larry Rubin, a dual US-Mexican citizen, condemned the measure, stating that having two nationalities does not diminish one's Mexican identity.

Mexican Ambassador to the United States Roberto Lazzeri clarified that the reform does not target dual citizenship but rather tightens requirements for high political offices, emphasizing that greater public responsibility entails greater obligations to the country.