3 Reasons to Consider Dual American/Mexican Citizenship and How To Do It (2024)

The United States has quite a long history of violating constitutional rights and protections of people in the country. The dismantling of abortion rights and the horrific treatment of refugees are just a few recent examples of the U.S. falling short of its goal of developing a more perfect union. Recently, Mexico has been showing the U.S. up with its handling of these hot button issues, and this very religious, notoriously corrupt government has been surprising a lot of people.

Here are 3 reasons why some are now asking themselves if dual citizenship in Mexico is the way to go, and how to go about doing it.

Abortion isn’t Criminalized

3 Reasons to Consider Dual American/Mexican Citizenship and How To Do It (1)

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Mexico made headlines when the Mexican Supreme Court declared it was unconstitutional to punish abortion, throughout the entire country. As of September 7, 2021, abortion was no longer a crime in Mexico, although its legalization varied by state. Mexico made headlines yet again on September 6, 2023 when the Mexican Supreme Court declared all laws prohibiting abortion unconstitutional and took the additional step of removing abortion from the federal penal code.

This is in stark contrast to the U.S., where states have been slowly but effectively taking away access to abortions and reproductive healthcare one draconian law at a time even before the fall of Roe v Wade in 2022. If you’re ever in need of abortion healthcare, Mexico is now a refuge for women.

Mexico’s Supreme Court ruling is a triumph for women and activists who joined the Latin American reproductive rights movement, the Marea Verde, which has successfully been gaining access to abortion and an expanded feminist rights agenda throughout Latin American countries.

Animals are Safe and your Products are too

3 Reasons to Consider Dual American/Mexican Citizenship and How To Do It (2)black and white short coated dog with orange collarPhoto by benjamin lehman on Unsplash

For many years, various industries killed and tortured animals for the sake of beauty cosmetics and products, but no more. Mexico’s Senate passed a federal bill in 2021 that bans animal testing for cosmetics. This law also banned importing cosmetics tested on animals from other countries. Mexico is now the first North American country to prohibit cosmetic animal testing.

But Mexico had already been passing animal welfare legislation for years. In 2017, the Mexican government passed a federal ban on dogfighting and as of 2022, there's only one state, the state of Chiapas, that has yet to criminalize the mistreatment of animals, including dog fighting, in its local criminal code.

Byeeeeee colonialist Christopher Colombus!

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Another win from Mexico! In October 2020, the statue of Christopher Columbus, situated in the heart of Mexico City, was at last taken down. The bronze monument of the colonizer Columbus had been the subject of long-standing demand for removal by activists and indigenous communities, and their protests led to decisive action. Today, the site stands as a dedication to "las mujeres que luchan," the women who fight.

So what’s the Citizenship Process?

If you don’t want to give up your U.S. nationality to become a citizen, then apply for dual citizenship with Mexico. Dual citizenship allows a person to be a citizen of two countries at the same time. It allows you to work, attend school, vote, have a Mexican passport, own property, and other benefits that are country-specific. On May 18, 2021, the Human Rights Bill, allowed people who are of Mexican descent but born in the U.S. the ability to officially be a Mexican national without having to be born in Mexico.

In Mexico, the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) begins the citizenship process. First, you must verify that you meet all requirements for Mexican citizenship. Whether that be residency requirements or claiming nationality through either of your parents. The second step is completing the application provided and submitting any needed paperwork. Mexico’s consulate requires your U.S. birth certificate, your parents’ Mexican birth certificates, and proof of identification. All the documents must be consistent and have no errors that need to be corrected. This will all show your lineage to Mexico and why Mexican citizenship should be granted.

Once the fee is paid, the application will be processed. If approved, the applicant is granted dual citizenship. The next step, if your citizenship is approved, is to now apply for a Mexican passport.

There is no set time for how long the process can take, but it is estimated to take months.

As of 2019, nearly 10.9 million Mexican-Americans live in the U.S and the Human Rights Bill that was passed is opening doors to the possibility of not only living bi-culturally but also bi-nationally. No more having to choose a culture or even choose countries – you can have them both, and with all the recent progressive change occurring in Mexico, why not?

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3 Reasons to Consider Dual American/Mexican Citizenship and How To Do It (2024)

FAQs

Why would you want dual citizenship in Mexico? â€ș

Having dual or multiple nationalities can mean that you are eligible for benefits such as employment opportunities, social benefits (such as education, medical care, pensions), property rights and unrestricted residence rights.

Why would you want dual citizenship? â€ș

Dual citizens enjoy certain benefits, such as the ability to live and work freely in two countries, own property in both countries, and travel between the countries with relative ease.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of dual citizenship? â€ș

While tax benefits from dual citizenship can exist, there is always the possibility of disadvantages in the form of double taxation, particularly for U.S. residents. This is commonly observed in property tax or foreign income tax and depends on country-specific laws.

Is Mexican dual citizenship worth it? â€ș

Benefits of Mexican Citizenship:

Economic Opportunities: Mexico's growing economy presents vast prospects for business, investment, and employment. Dual citizens can access employment opportunities without the need for work permits.

Who qualifies for Mexican dual citizenship? â€ș

If you've been a legal resident of Mexico at least five years you are entitled to apply for naturalization-based citizenship. This is a very common route for US citizens to become a Mexican dual national.

What are the downsides of dual citizenship? â€ș

Downsides of multiple citizenships

While dual citizens might reduce taxes, they also face double taxation on foreign income or property, depending on national laws. Career restrictions. Some nations prevent dual citizens from government roles or positions like judges, ministers, or deputies. Military service.

Does Mexico allow dual citizenship? â€ș

Mexico allows dual citizenship. But local law in many countries means that you have to give up your original nationality before taking up any new citizenship. 🛂 The main countries which don't usually allow dual citizenship include: China.

How does dual citizenship affect US citizenship? â€ș

Whether born an American citizen or naturalized, if you have dual citizenship, you: Owe allegiance to both the U.S. and a foreign country. Must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the U.S. Do not have to choose one nationality over the other.

Do dual citizens pay taxes in both countries Mexico and USA? â€ș

If you are a U.S. citizen and have dual citizenship in another country, you must ïŹle taxes in the U.S. The U.S. will impose taxes on you regardless of where you live and where you earn your income. Dual citizens who are living abroad may owe taxes to both the U.S. and the country in which they earn their income.

Can a dual citizen lose their citizenship? â€ș

A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to their U.S. citizenship. In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship.

Do I need dual citizenship? â€ș

As far as the U.S. is concerned, there is no “dual citizenship” status. To become a dual citizen of the U.S. or another country, all you need to do is obtain a second citizenship. There is no specific application or form in the U.S. for dual citizens, you simply need to file for naturalization.

Is it okay to have dual citizenship? â€ș

Current Law and Policy

United States law does not contain any provisions requiring U.S. Citizens who are born with dual nationality or who acquire a second nationality at an early age to choose one nationality or the other when they become adults (see Mandoli v. Acheson, 344 U.S. 133 [1952] ).

What is the benefit of Mexican permanent residency? â€ș

Permanent residency in Mexico affords foreigners all the rights of Mexican citizenship—except for the right to vote. Permanent residents can apply for either the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) or Institute of Health for Welfare (INSABI) national healthcare systems.

How does dual citizenship work with Mexico? â€ș

Dual citizenship allows a person to be a citizen of two countries at the same time. It allows you to work, attend school, vote, have a Mexican passport, own property, and other benefits that are country-specific.

Do I lose my Mexican citizenship when I become a US citizen? â€ș

Recognizes Dual U.S. Citizenship? Mexican citizens who naturalize in the United States may keep their Mexican nationality but may not vote and may not run or serve in public office in Mexico.

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