• 200 people from 34 countries received naturalization certificates.

Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena today presented naturalization certificates to 200 people-100 men and 100 women-from 34 countries who met the requirements set by Mexican law to voluntarily acquire citizenship.

In her remarks, Secretary Bárcena said, "Mexico has always been a land of opportunity. Since becoming an independent nation, we've opened our borders-first to African descendants from the United States, then to many others from Europe, the Middle East, Spain, Latin America, and today I see many Caribbean people here as well."

"I hope Mexico truly becomes your home," she continued. "By becoming Mexican citizens, you'll have the same rights and responsibilities as all Mexicans. That's what this is about-coming to Mexico and being treated as equals."

Secretary Bárcena also acknowledged the contributions made by the new Mexican citizens: "Know that the affection you have expressed for us doesn't go unnoticed, nor do your contributions. Many of you are making a difference in sports, science, anthropology, art and education."

Jorge Alberto Martínez y Valdés, Director General of Legal Affairs, urged the naturalized citizens to embody and promote the values of equality, diversity, respect and inclusion described in the charter for naturalized Mexican citizens. "Today, Mexico welcomes you with open arms, hoping that as new citizens you'll feel truly at home in your new country," he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the naturalized individuals, Cinematographer Rosalie Hübl said, "Mexico has been a place of many opportunities. Being Mexican means I can officially call my home of many years my country."

The ceremony was also attended by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs María Teresa Mercado Pérez; Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights Joel Hernández García; Director General of Legal Affairs Jorge Alberto Martínez y Valdés; Executive Director of the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (Amexcid) Gloria Sandoval Salas; Head of the Administration and Finance Unit Julieta González Méndez; and Director General of Political and Institutional Affairs for North America Cristina Planter Riebeling.

The Political Constitution of the United Mexican States establishes that Mexican nationality can be acquired by birth or naturalization. During President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's administration, over 15,229 naturalization certificates have been issued to women and men from various parts of the world.