Diplomatic crisis: United States revokes visas of two Colombian workers from the World Bank
The United States revokes visas for Colombian workers, triggering a diplomatic crisis resolved with agreements on deportation.
2025-01-29T13:00:43+00:00
- United States Revokes Visas of Colombian Nationals
- Diplomatic Crisis Resolved with Agreement
- Petro Criticizes Treatment of Migrants
The United States has revoked the visas of two Colombian workers from the World Bank following measures taken by the administration of Donald Trump.
The World Bank confirmed the revocation of G-4 visas to two of its Colombian employees as they attempted to enter U.S. territory.
A third Colombian was also unable to board a flight destined for the United States, according to the international organization.
In response, the World Bank advised its Colombian workers to avoid traveling to or from the United States in the coming days.
Bilateral Tension: U.S. Restrictions and Conflict Resolution
The crisis began when Colombia suspended deportation flights from the United States, triggering retaliatory measures from the Trump administration.
The State Department imposed visa restrictions on Colombian officials and their family members as a pressure tactic.
These sanctions also affected employees of multilateral organizations holding G-4 visas, which are used by diplomatic personnel.
Eventually, both countries reached an agreement that allowed for the lifting of restrictions once deportation flights to Bogotá resumed.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly questioned the treatment of migrants and initially disapproved the entry of deportation flights.
«The United States must establish a protocol for dignified treatment of migrants before we receive them,» Petro stated on social media.
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Meanwhile, Donald Trump announced sanctions against Colombia through Truth Social while playing golf in Miami.
Among the measures announced were 25% tariffs on Colombian products and travel restrictions for officials from the Petro government.
Bilateral Agreement: Resolution of the Migration Conflict Between the US and Colombia
At 10:00 p.m., the White House and the Colombian Chancellery announced the resolution of the conflict.
Colombia agreed to accept deportees without restrictions, and the United States suspended some economic sanctions, although it maintained other measures.
The Colombian ambassador in Washington highlighted the role of Mauricio Claver as a key interlocutor in overcoming the crisis.
The temporary closure of the visa section at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia heightened tensions.
Petro called on irregular migrants in Colombia to regularize their status and announced tariff measures against American products.
The crisis highlighted the level of tensions between both countries and the complexity of migration agreements in a context of bilateral sanctions.
SOURCE: EFE / Infobae.


