United States halts visa processing for Colombians indefinitely

Diplomatic relations between the United States and Colombia have reached a new level of tension after President Gustavo Petro decided to reject flights carrying Colombian deportees from the U.S. In reaction, the U.S. government has indefinitely shut down the visa section at its Bogotá embassy and warned of further retaliatory measures.

Deportations: a routine practice 

According to sources cited by Blu Radio, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) organizes two weekly repatriation flights, typically using commercial planes funded by the agency. These flights are aimed at expediting the return of Colombian migrants detained in the U.S. due to their irregular immigration status.

However, President Petro’s decision to stop accepting these flights—a practice previously approved by his administration—has triggered a swift and decisive response from the U.S. State Department.

Visa services suspended 

Starting this Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia will close its visa section indefinitely. This decision impacts thousands of Colombians who rely on these services to travel to the United States. The move is part of a broader series of measures the U.S. is evaluating in response to Petro’s stance.

Growing diplomatic tensions 

The visa suspension is reportedly just the first step in a series of potential retaliatory actions being considered by the State Department. While specific details about further measures remain unclear, these actions are expected to increase pressure on the Colombian government to reverse its decision.

The diplomatic standoff over deportation policies highlights mounting tensions in migration and bilateral cooperation. This conflict affects not only diplomatic relations but also Colombian citizens seeking migration or exchange opportunities with the U.S.

For now, the Colombian government has yet to issue an official response. Meanwhile, relations between the two nations face one of their most challenging moments in recent years.

Source: Blu Radio.