That the Government of Mexico is seriously interested in attracting immigration is proved by the favorable reception given to proposed reform of the immigration and naturalization laws.
Senator Pedre de Alba is the sponsor of a plan to introduce legislature for the purpose of facilitating the immigration and settlement of foreigners in Mexico. According to the plan of Senator Alba, the following points are to be made part of the new naturalization law:
Agricultural colonists who wish to benefit by the laws of land partition and interior colonization, whether their expenses are paid by the government or by private enterprise, shall solicit their citizenship papers immediately upon arrival, in order that the date of naturalization may begin one year after their first application, it being understood that they renounce their former nationality and adopt Mexico as their country.
Foreigners who, through their capacity and preparation, desire to lend their services to the government in the universities or other school branches, shall be considered on the same plane as Mexican citizens, the only requisite being that they apply immediately for their first papers.
Those who invest considerable capital in Mexico and who devote themselves to the development of industry and agriculture, and also those who distinguish themselves by scientific productions or artistic creations will be recognized immediately upon application as citizens.
Only for the positions of president of the Republic and governors of the states, shall it be necessary to be a Mexican by birth. For offices given through popular election the following requisites must be fulfilled: Five years citizenship is required before they can hold offices in the municipalities, ten years for the office of deputy and fifteen for senator. For other offices, either in the judicial administration executive or state offices which today require Mexican citizenship by birth, the citizen will be eligible if he has been naturalized five years.
Senator Alba also proposed a reform to the concession laws, his plan being that only Mexicans by birth or adoption are eligible to acquire lands, water and accessories, and to obtain exploitation concessions of mines, water of com## mineral in the Republic. He proposed the elimination of the clause which provides for permission to foreigners, with the proviso that these foreigners consider themselves as Mexican citizens before the la##, and deprive themselves of the right to call their own country for protection of their interests.
“It is a mistake to believe that the Mexican people are hostile to immigration”, Senator Alba stated. “All human effort which will add to our own efforts toward the future betterment of the country is welcome”, the Senator declared.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
