My wife and I first visited Mexico in 2009 as a result of watching a food show with Chef Rick Bayless.  We had been looking for a winter retreat from the snows of Buffalo NY.  In 2013 we bought a home here.  We love the tranquility, the ambiance, the friendliness of the local population, but something changed a few years ago.  The politics of a certain northern nation became alarming, even threatening. There was talk of invasion, or missile strikes on suspected drug labs in the high plains. Lessons from the past caught my attention.

In 1938 Mexico ejected US citizens and other foreign workers, mostly petroleum technicians, after the US State Department meddled in their politics as a result of labor turmoil, regarding wage issues for Mexican petroleum workers, and union organizing.  (Mexico nationalized the oil platforms, claiming the resource to be the property of all Mexican citizens.) So, not wanting to become a victim of such ejection, I began to consider dual citizenship a few years ago to prevent a similar experience, potentially causing us to lose our home.

Gaining my Mexican pasaporte was an education which has me reflecting upon the nature and duties of citizenship.  I’m no expert on this topic, but I’m glad for the experience, and am delighted to be a naturalized citizen here, where I’ve been welcomed into the culture.  Yeah, it requires patience and adaptability, as no system is perfect; but dedication to citizenship contributes to personal improvement, and can benefit the wider community.  I continue taking a Spanish tutorial every week with a linguist, and that has enhanced the experience of living in a new culture. (But the “nanny state” up north still wants their bite.)

As Kermit the Frog once said: It isn’t easy being green — but I ain’t no greengo, no mo’ !   >>>

Foto by Roderick Sia, Unsplash