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BOGOTÁ, Colombia – January 27, 2025 – Colombian President Gustavo Petro made a bold statement this Sunday, revealing that there are currently 15,660 Americans residing “irregularly” in Colombia. Petro took to the social media platform X to invite these individuals to approach the country’s immigration services to regularize their status, emphasizing his commitment to human freedom and the rights of migrants.

“There are 15,660 Americans residing in Colombia irregularly. They should approach our immigration service to regularize their situation,” Petro wrote, extending an open invitation to American citizens who may not have formalized their stay in the country.

The president further elaborated on his stance, stating, “American citizens who wish to can be in Colombia because I believe in human freedom. But there are more than 15,660 who are irregular, and according to Colombian laws, they must regularize their stay.”

Petro’s remarks took a strong moral tone as he expressed his opposition to harsh treatment of immigrants, emphasizing, “You will never see me burning an American flag or conducting a ‘razzia’ to return illegal immigrants handcuffed to the U.S. True libertarians will never attack human freedom. We are the opposite of the Nazis.”

This announcement comes amidst tensions surrounding immigration policies between Colombia and the United States. Just hours before this statement, Petro claimed to have blocked planes carrying deported Colombian citizens from the United States, accusing the U.S. of not providing “dignified treatment” for these individuals. In retaliation, Washington suspended visa processing in Colombia starting Monday.

Petro continued to criticize the U.S., asserting that “the dignity of Colombia and Latin America comes first,” and reinforced his belief that migrants are entitled to respectful treatment. “Migrants are human beings and subjects of rights and as such must be treated,” he added.

The issue of immigration has grown increasingly controversial in several Latin American countries amid the ongoing tensions with U.S. immigration policies, particularly under former President Donald Trump’s administration, which implemented a hardline stance on deportations. Petro’s comments signal a strong pushback against these policies, calling for more humane and dignified treatment of all migrants, whether they are Colombian citizens in the U.S. or Americans residing in Colombia.

As the situation evolves, all eyes remain on the Colombian government’s next steps and its relationship with the U.S. regarding immigration matters.