Mexico moves to bar presidents and governors with dual citizenship

A constitutional amendment in Mexico seeks to prohibit presidents, state governors and the Mexico City mayor from holding dual citizenship, requiring candidates to abandon any foreign nationality. President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the change as essential to prevent external meddling, emphasizing a single national allegiance. The ruling Morena party and its coalition pushed the bill through a majority of the 32 state legislatures and both houses of the national Congress, and it now awaits a formal declaration of constitutionality before publication.

Opponents contend the rule creates obstacles for dual-national politicians and appears aimed at sidelining potential challenger Ricardo Salinas, who has hinted at political ambitions. The law would take effect for candidates in the 2028 election cycle, sparing current governors and those running in the 2027 midterms. Mexico joins only Cuba and Venezuela in explicitly banning dual citizens from its highest offices, a move that has drawn criticism from figures like Larry Rubin and the Mexican ambassador to the United States.