President Claudia Sheinbaum has proposed a constitutional reform to prohibit presidents and governors from holding dual nationality [1, 2].
The move seeks to ensure that Mexico's highest executive leaders maintain exclusive loyalty to the state. By removing the possibility of dual citizenship, the administration aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest that could arise when a leader is legally tied to another country.
Sheinbaum said the proposal is designed to close the door to foreign interference in Mexican governance [2, 3]. The president said that holding citizenship in two different countries can create a divided identity for those in power.
"Cuando tienes doble nacionalidad te identificas con dos naciones," Sheinbaum said [2].
The proposal targets both the presidency and the governorships of Mexico's states [2, 3]. The administration said that the risk of external influence increases when officials identify with more than one nation, potentially compromising national sovereignty [3].
Under the proposed changes, candidates for these high-level positions would be required to renounce any foreign citizenships before taking office. This would establish a legal standard where the primary allegiance of the executive branch is solely to the Mexican people [1, 2].
While the proposal has been announced, the legislative process for constitutional amendments in Mexico requires significant support from both the federal congress and state legislatures. The administration has not yet detailed the specific timeline for the vote on this measure [1].
“"Cuando tienes doble nacionalidad te identificas con dos naciones."”
This proposal reflects a broader trend of nationalist governance within Mexico, emphasizing sovereign control over internal political processes. By targeting dual nationality, the Sheinbaum administration is attempting to codify a legal barrier against the influence of foreign powers—most notably the U.S.—over Mexican executive decision-making.
