Party Discipline Cannot Come Before Rights

Washington, DC, September 29, 2026. — On September 22, the Chamber of Deputies approved, by a vote of 344 in favor overall, the reform requiring candidates to renounce any other nationality in order to run for the Presidency, a governorship, or the Head of Government of Mexico City. As the Senate takes up the measure, Fuerza Migrante's Political Affairs Committee expresses its rejection: we believe this represents a setback for political rights and demands a clear response from those who represent us.

The bill does not eliminate dual nationality or the vote from abroad. But it does restrict the exercise of another human right: the right to be elected to these offices while retaining another nationality. The renunciation required before registration would carry personal and legal consequences that cannot be reduced to a mere formality.

Having two nationalities does not mean having two loyalties. Commitment to Mexico is demonstrated through actions. Those who are pushing this reform must explain what specific threat they seek to address, what evidence supports it, and why they consider this restriction necessary.

There are Mexicans who did not choose to have two nationalities: they were born with both. Those born abroad to a Mexican father or mother are recognized by our Constitution as Mexicans by birth. The importance of their rights does not depend on how many choose to exercise them today.

It took Mexico decades to open up spaces for representation from abroad. That is why we demand that the migrant representatives who supported this reform respond publicly: Did they listen to the community? What consequences did they consider? How do they justify their vote to those they represent?

Representing constituents does not require sharing every opinion. It does require listening, explaining, and being accountable. Party discipline is no substitute for that responsibility.

Senator Karina Isabel Ruiz, the first migrant senator, requested a leave of absence, and her alternate has been sworn in. We respect her personal and migratory circumstances. We ask Karina to make her position public; and we ask whoever now holds the seat to listen to the community and explain the reasoning behind their vote.

The Presidency, as the sponsor of the initiative, must also respond to these concerns. We urge the Senate to reject the reform as currently proposed.

Fuerza Migrante will maintain its nonpartisan character: we will document votes, demand accountability from all political forces, and monitor any proposal to extend these restrictions.

Migrant representation must assert itself when our rights are being decided. That is where it becomes clear whom one truly represents.

Fuerza Migrante's Political Affairs Committee