Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is considering a constitutional amendment that would prevent individuals holding dual nationality from serving as president or state governors. Sheinbaum emphasized that a Mexican president represents only Mexico, not another country, questioning the loyalty of officials with dual citizenship. This proposal is currently under consideration and no specific legislation or timeline has been provided.
The current Mexican Constitution requires the president and state governors to be Mexican by birth. While Article 32 reserves these offices for those who have not acquired another nationality, Mexico's Nationality Law allows dual nationals to qualify by applying for a Certificate of Mexican Nationality and renouncing allegiance to their other country. However, this renunciation in Mexico does not necessarily cancel their citizenship under the laws of the second country. Sheinbaum's proposal aims to close this loophole by requiring actual sole Mexican citizenship.
The initiative was discussed in the context of Francisco Javier García Cabeza de Vaca, the former governor of Tamaulipas, who was born in Texas and holds both Mexican and American citizenship. Mexican authorities are seeking his extradition from the U.S. in connection with an arrest warrant. Sheinbaum noted that his dual citizenship, while not preventing extradition, highlights the issue of a public official potentially retaining protection from another government.
Amending the constitution is a significant hurdle, requiring approval from two-thirds of federal lawmakers and a majority of state legislatures. The precise wording of such an amendment would be critical, defining when the restriction applies and what constitutes genuine renunciation of foreign citizenship. While dual nationality is common among millions of Mexicans, Sheinbaum's proposal seeks to ensure unequivocal allegiance for the country's highest executive offices, especially amid increasing tensions with the United States.
