Analysts say the law could have far-reaching practical effects - even potentially reshaping the flows of people and money between the United States and Mexico - and might set off cross-border political repercussions as well.
The Nationality Act revokes the previous rule that took away Mexican nationality from those who became citizens of another country. Furthermore, the new act broadens eligibility for nationality to include children of Mexican-born people. And the law is retroactive: Those who would have met the revised terms in the past may now claim back their Mexican nationality. Those eligible have five years to apply.
The law permits Mexican dual nationality but not dual citizenship, a
distinction that will prevent dual nationals from voting in Mexican elections or holding high office here. Some Mexican Americans are now pushing for full voting rights in Mexican elections.
But while Zhu did not stray from the usual government positions during his first press conference as premier, he projected a relaxed, personal style, bantering with foreign and domestic journalists on a live television broadcast and fielding questions on everything from economic reform and slothful civil servants, to the Tiananmen Square massacre and his personal concern about the future.
03-20-98
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