US Stops Visa Issuance in Colombia as President Petro Rejects Deportation Flight
The US Embassy in Colombia has announced that it will freeze visa issuance after President Gustavo Petro refused to accept two deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants from the US. The decision follows a diplomatic crisis between the two nations over migration issues.
The US Department of State stated that the “highest level of the Colombian government” initially approved a deportation flight back to Colombia. However, citing allegations of mistreatment of deportees, President Petro reportedly blocked the flight. The US will stop issuing visas to Colombian citizens for an indefinite period, and additional retaliatory measures will be implemented, the US Embassy announced.
President Petro has emphasized his commitment to migrants’ rights and dignity, stating that migrants are human beings and must be treated accordingly. He has also criticized the US government’s deportation policies, calling for a regional response to the issue.
The Colombian government has accused the US of mistreating migrants and has stated that it will receive its own citizens who are deported from the US with dignity and respect. The president has also called for a union of Latin American countries to address the issue of migration and the drug market in the Americas.
As the diplomatic crisis unfolds, tensions between the US and Colombia are likely to increase. The US has already suspended all activities of USAID in the country, as well as its immigration offices and refugee program. The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, has also called for continued dialogue between Colombia and the US regarding the situation in the Darien Gap.
The visa suspension is expected to have a significant impact on the thousands of Colombian citizens who rely on US visas for business, education, and tourism purposes. The development is likely to further strain the already tense relationship between the US and Colombia under the presidency of Donald Trump and Gustavo Petro.
