Tuesday, July 15, 2025
The number of U.S. visa denials for Colombians has seen a significant rise, particularly during the Trump administration. Recent reports show a sharp increase in the rejection of visa applications from Colombian nationals, which is largely due to tougher immigration policies introduced under President Trump. These policy changes have had a lasting impact, particularly on applicants from Latin America.
Surge in Visa Rejections
The U.S. has dramatically raised its rejection rates for Colombian visa applications since the beginning of Trump’s second term. Data reveals that over 106,000 visa requests from Colombians were denied in just the first half of this term, marking a shocking 2,844% increase compared to the same period in 2021, when only 3,600 rejections occurred under President Joe Biden.
This sharp contrast highlights how the approach to U.S. visa denials for Colombians has evolved under Trump, with a significant rise in the number of applicants being turned down.
- In 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Bogota processed 342,000 visa applications, nearly 16 times higher than the 21,000 applications in the same period of the previous administration.
- The approval rate for U.S. visas for Colombians has also seen a sharp decline, dropping from 83% under Biden to just 69% under Trump, increasing the overall visa denial rate from 17% to 31%.
The Impact of Trump’s Immigration Policies
The surge in U.S. visa denials for Colombians reflects broader shifts in U.S. immigration policy under Trump. Between 2017 and 2020, Colombian visa rejections steadily increased due to the tightening of visa issuance criteria and a stronger focus on vetting applicants.
Key aspects of the Trump administration’s America First immigration agenda include:
- Stricter visa standards: Consulates were instructed to apply tougher scrutiny for visa applications, particularly for countries like Colombia.
- Executive orders: A 2017 order on immigration and travel security heightened the vetting process, emphasizing national security concerns and potential overstays.
- More discretion for consular officials: U.S. consular officers were granted wider authority to deny visas if they believed applicants were likely to overstay their visas or violate U.S. immigration laws.
As a result, many Colombian applicants, especially those seeking tourist (B1/B2) or student (F1) visas, found themselves caught up in the new, more rigorous screening process. Immigration lawyers have noted that applicants’ socioeconomic conditions, such as lack of property or stable employment, were often cited as reasons for rejection.
Maria Fernanda Rojas, an immigration attorney in Bogota, explained, “People who would have easily been approved before are now facing denials due to stricter standards. The applicants haven’t changed; it’s the criteria that have become much stricter.”
Diplomatic Tensions Contribute to Increased Denials
In addition to changes in immigration policy, U.S. visa denials for Colombians have been exacerbated by recent diplomatic tensions between the two countries. A notable dispute occurred when Colombia refused to accept U.S. deportation flights for Colombian nationals who had entered the U.S. illegally.
In response to this, the Trump administration canceled hundreds of visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, leaving many applicants in a state of uncertainty. While Colombia eventually agreed to resume deportation flights, the suspension of visa services has had long-term consequences. Immigration experts view this as a visa backlash, with everyday Colombians being affected by the diplomatic clash between the two nations.
Challenges for Colombians Navigating U.S. Visa System
The current Trump administration visa policies are not the only factors impacting the growing number of visa denials. U.S. visa law, particularly Section 214(b), presumes that all visa applicants intend to immigrate unless they can prove otherwise. This presumption has disproportionately affected younger or lower-income Colombians, many of whom struggle to demonstrate strong ties to their home country.
- Financial barriers: Applicants with limited financial resources or unstable employment are often rejected because they cannot show sufficient evidence that they will return to Colombia after their visit.
- Limited connections: Applicants with no property ownership or limited family ties to Colombia face greater difficulties proving their intent to return home.
These barriers make it harder for Colombians, especially young people or those from lower-income backgrounds, to secure approval for a visa, even when their intentions are genuine.
U.S.-Colombia Relations and Visa Policy
As Colombia ranks among the top six Latin American countries with the highest number of U.S. visa denials in 2025, the political and diplomatic situation between the two nations continues to affect visa outcomes. The recent tensions between President Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have added an unpredictable element to the visa process.
For many Colombians, obtaining a U.S. visa has become more than just a bureaucratic hurdle; it is now a politically charged process. With both countries heading toward elections, the role of visa policy in shaping diplomatic discussions is expected to remain a contentious issue.
Conclusion: The Future of U.S. Visa Denials for Colombians
The increase in U.S. visa denials for Colombians reflects broader changes in U.S. immigration policies, which have become stricter under the Trump administration. The combination of tougher visa standards and diplomatic tensions has made it more difficult for many Colombians to secure a visa to the U.S.
As the political landscape in both countries continues to evolve, it’s unclear what the future holds for Colombian applicants. For now, the process remains fraught with uncertainty, leaving many Colombians frustrated and uncertain about their chances of success. The impact of U.S.-Colombia relations on visa policies will likely continue to be a key factor for those hoping to travel to the U.S. for family, education, or business opportunities.
