Foreigner Legal Rights Mexico

Most people who visit Mexico are reminded that they are giving up most of their rights from their respective countries when they cross over into the new country. The United States especially tries to teach people this because most people just assume that they are protected under the same legal system and the same laws because they haven’t really gone anywhere- I mean c’mon, Mexico isn’t too far away! When it comes to foreigner legal rights in Mexico you should have a pretty good understanding of what you can and can’t do because you may risk getting deported quickly or worst case scenario- spending time in a Mexican jail!

In the Mexican law, it says that all foreigners share the same rights as Mexican citizens. US tourists can enjoy education, medical help and other public rights. The only two exceptions are the right to own land and the right to be a part in political activity. Both are detailed below:

1. The right to own land is only for Mexican citizens! For the most part, land in Mexico is designated to Mexican citizens. There are two exceptions however: If they obtain permission from the Ministry of Foreign Relations and/ or the land is outside of a ‘restricted’ zone.

Restricted zones in Mexico refer to the strip of land 100 Km along the border and 50 Km along the coastline. Foreigners can, if they would like, purchases land or property anywhere but these restricted zones.

2. Foreigners cannot participate in political activities! It is stated very clearly in the Mexican constitution that foreigners are not allowed in any way, which or form to participate in political voting or any activities. Foreigners don’t have the right to vote, run for office or be a part of a demonstration or rally. Failure to abide by this law will either have you put in jail very quickly or deported out of Mexico.

What rights do foreigners have in Mexico? Foreigner’s legal rights in Mexico extend into medical and education. A foreigner can have free emergency medical attention if the time comes up. There is a program run by the Ministry of Health that assists foreigners in cases of emergency. The only thing a US citizen should be looking out for is that they can’t expect the kinds of treatments or facilities that they have in the United States!

When it comes to education, a foreigner has the right to put their children in any public school they see fit. A foreigner can have their children brought up in the Mexican school system for whatever reason they choose- whether they are moving to Mexico or just don’t like the school systems in the country they reside in.

Mexico has limited rights for foreigners but foreigner’s legal rights in Mexico are enough to provide safety and protection to all there. Foreigners pretty much just can’t participate in political games nor own land in restricted zones but when it comes to other cases in the Mexican constitution they are treated like Mexican citizens.

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