Colombia Offers Incentives for Migrants to Return From US

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has urged undocumented Colombians living in the United States to return home, assuring them of government support upon their arrival.

Petro announced the initiative on his X account last Friday, as Colombia manages ongoing tensions with the U.S. regarding deportation flights and trade tariffs.

Two Colombian Air Force planes carrying deportees from the U.S. landed at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá on Tuesday, following a diplomatic standoff between U.S. President Donald Trump and Petro.

On Sunday, Petro initially refused to accept deportees transported by U.S. military planes, prompting Trump to threaten 25 percent tariffs on Colombian exports. The dispute was resolved when Colombia agreed to receive the migrants—on the condition that they would not be flown back on military aircraft. Petro argued this was necessary to uphold the deportees’ dignity.

Trump has made immigration a key focus of his presidency, with strong public support for his policies. A New York Times/Ipsos poll conducted from January 2 to 10 found that 55 percent of voters strongly or somewhat supported deportations, while 88 percent backed the removal of undocumented immigrants with criminal records. A bipartisan consensus exists that the U.S. immigration system is in crisis.

While diplomatic tensions have eased, Petro continues to criticize Trump’s immigration policies. On Friday, he unveiled new incentives for undocumented Colombians in the U.S. to return home.

"I urge undocumented Colombians in the U.S. to immediately leave their jobs and return to Colombia as soon as possible," Petro posted on X.

Under the plan, returnees will be eligible for government-backed loans to start businesses or integrate into economic programs.

"Wealth is created by working people. The Department of Social Prosperity (DPS) will provide productive loans to returnees who enroll in its programs. Let’s build social wealth in Colombia," Petro stated.

In 2024 alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded 134,676 apprehensions of Colombian nationals attempting to cross the southern border illegally. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that around 200,000 undocumented Colombians currently reside in the U.S., though the actual figure may be higher.

However, Petro’s call has sparked concerns in Colombia, particularly regarding its economic implications. Many families depend on remittances sent by relatives working abroad. According to Colombia’s central bank, Banco de la República, remittances totaled $12.64 billion in 2023, with 42 percent coming from the U.S.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: "The Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay."

U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan, on Fox News: "With President Trump in charge, they will take them back, I’m convinced. We’ve got several countries willing to accept deportees. If one won’t, we’ll find another."

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, on X: "The Statue of Liberty no longer shines. It is up to the youth of the United States and working men and women to reignite the light."

Colombia has agreed to allow U.S. military aircraft carrying deported migrants to land in the country, avoiding trade disruptions. However, Leavitt warned that the U.S. is prepared to impose tariffs if the situation changes.