TIJUANA.- The "Hazte Mexicano" campaign ("become a Mexican citizen" campaign) is being organized by the City of Tijuana and will start this July. The goal is to give applicants who live abroad but were born to Mexican parents the benefits of Mexican citizenship and all of the benefits this entails.

During a recent press conference, Maria Calderon of the Tijuana Civil Registrar Office indicated that Tijuana Mayor, Jorge Astiazaran, initiated this campaign to reach out to those who had previously avoided this process for various reasons, and to encourage them to do so now with the benefit of reduced service fees.

According to Calderon, "on a daily basis we receive requests from people who wish to obtain Mexican citizenship and this is a great opportunity for them to do so at a discount of more than forty percent. The application can be submitted as of today as some of the requirements (detailed below) may take up to a week to obtain."

Calderon instructed interested parties to bring in their original apostille birth certificate, translate this into Spanish and have it certified by the State's Judicial Council (Consejo de la Judicatura del Estado). A certificate to confirm nonexistence of Birth Registration will also need to be obtained, which is free of cost.

Additionally, applicants must bring in original official photo identification of their parent(s) of Mexican nationality. If the applicant is eighteen years of age or older, (s)he must also provide an original photo ID translated and original translation thereof. The applicant must also provide an original of the birth certificate for their Mexican parent(s). In addition to the original documents, a copy of each must be provided as well.

Xochitl Lomeli, of the La Presa Civil Registrar, indicated that if the applicant is underage the parents will need to process the application for them, or under special circumstances, may appoint a representative under via a notarized declaration.

Finally, Farah Morales, of the Macro Centro Civil Registrar, indicated that offices are open to the public Monday through Friday from 8am to 3pm in the Palacio Municipal Civil Registrar (Registro Civil) Office, located on the first floor.

The City of Tijuana encourages candidates to take advantage of this campaign and apply for what is undoubtedly a very important benefit. Applicants are encouraged to get started early and request any additional information by visiting your local Civil Registrar office. Applicants are also encouraged to pay the reduced fees as soon as possible in order to not miss out on the campaign.

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