Mexico passes law banning dual nationals from presidential and top executive posts

Mexico's congress enacted a reform that bars individuals with dual citizenship from contesting the presidency, state governorships, or the Mexico City mayoralty, with the rule taking effect in 2028. President Claudia Sheinbaum presented the change as a safeguard against external meddling, insisting that candidates must relinquish any foreign ties before running. The measure passed with a majority of Morena and allied legislators, but the opposition PAN warned it clashes with constitutional provisions that permit members of Congress to retain other nationalities.

The reform mirrors similar bans in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Critics such as Larry Rubin, who holds both U.S. and Mexican passports, argue that loyalty cannot be measured by the number of passports a person carries. The upcoming midterm elections will proceed unchanged, as the new restriction applies only to future contests.