Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz presented more than 200 birth certificates to binational residents as part of the “México te Reconoce: Soy México” (Mexico Recognizes You: I Am Mexico) initiative. The campaign, designed to simplify the process of obtaining Mexican nationality, has achieved remarkable success in Tijuana, reflecting the city’s commitment to supporting cross-border families.
The Municipal Civil Registry Office processed a historic 14,346 applications during August and September of this year, shattering previous records.
“I am very happy to accompany you in this event that reaffirms a government commitment to social justice, inclusion, and equal rights for a community of binational boys, girls, teenagers, and adults who honor their roots and their parents’ legacy of identity and belonging by officially becoming Mexican citizens,” the mayor said.
Overwhelming Public Response
The “Soy México” Campaign, a joint effort by state and federal authorites, with support from the Municipal Civil Registry Office, was met with an overwhelming public response in Tijuana.
The mayor told beneficiaries that upon receiving a document certifying their Mexican nationality, they receive the support of a nation that embraces and recognizes them. It also grants them identity and the possibility of having access to health and education services and fully exercising their rights.
“I celebrate that this initiative, which facilitates obtaining Mexican nationality by eliminating the administrative and economic barriers that held back many Tijuana families, benefits our community by consolidating an essential link in the border dynamic,” he added.
Praise for Civil Registry Staff’s Work
Officials were quick to credit Civil Registry Office’s staff for managing the massive influx of applications. Arnulfo Guerrero León, Municipal Government Secretary, highlighted their critical role in ensuring the campaign’s success as the previous edition of the campaign registered just over 2,000 procedures.
“We know it was not a simple process; citizen participation exceeded our expectations. But today we have the satisfaction of being able to say that we were up to the task,” Odalys Valenzuela Espinoza said.
Elizabeth Márquez Saavedra, Director of the Baja California State Civil Registry, framed the campaign as a testament to what can be achieved when different levels of government and citizens collaborate effectively with the same purpose: to guarantee the identity and rights of Mexican people.
“I thank Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda for her leadership in strengthening our community’s identity and dignity. My gratitude also goes to Secretary Alfredo Álvarez Cárdenas for his support in reaching across the state, and to Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, who was instrumental in this campaign’s success,” Márquez Saavedra added.
