Naturalized Mexicans Fight for Governor Run Rights in Quintana Roo

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The civil association Mexicanos de Corazón A.C. is advocating for equal rights and opportunities for individuals who have obtained Mexican nationality through naturalization, regardless of their birthplace. Despite significant legal reforms in Quintana Roo, naturalized citizens remain excluded from running for high-profile offices such as governor or judicial positions.

Legal Reforms and Ongoing Barriers

Ignacio Alonso Velazco, president of the organization, stated that the group has successfully amended ten state laws and the Constitution of Quintana Roo to remove discriminatory restrictions that previously barred naturalized Mexicans from holding municipal or state administrative roles. However, he emphasized that further reforms are needed to allow participation in gubernatorial elections and judicial appointments.

"We have reformed ten laws in Quintana Roo and even the state Constitution to eliminate the discriminatory requirement of being Mexican by birth for public office. Before, we couldn’t serve as councilors, trustees, or municipal presidents—now we can. But there’s still much to do," Velazco said. "We have a new initiative in committee to reform the Constitution again, this time to allow naturalized Mexicans to run for governor. In the current judicial reform process, we were excluded because being Mexican by birth is still required."

Nationwide Discrimination

Velazco noted that this legal discrimination exists in nearly all Mexican states, with the exception of Mexico City and Querétaro. The association is considering expanding its efforts nationwide to address these barriers.

According to the latest population and housing census by INEGI, Quintana Roo is home to approximately 40,000 individuals not born in Mexico, representing just 2% of the state’s population. Velazco argued that this small percentage poses no threat to native-born citizens and that naturalized Mexicans contribute positively to society.

Merit-Based Opportunities

"We are reforming laws to remove these barriers and make us eligible. This doesn’t mean naturalized Mexicans will automatically fill these positions—it’s about merit," Velazco explained. "We want the opportunity to participate and compete for public office based on qualifications. It’s not about privileges; we’re asking for equal opportunities."

He added that the association will continue fighting for inclusion in candidacies, as many professionals wish to enter politics but are barred due to not being Mexican by birth.