Expert Talks About the Legal Implications to Eliminate the Visa for Colombians in the United States

Labor and employment attorney Jimena Nieto was interviewed by Infobae about the possible elimination of a tourist visa requirement for Colombians visiting the United States. The Colombian ambassador Luis Gilberto Murillo recently called for the elimination of this document, arguing that the level of strategic partnerships both nations have maintained in diverse sectors means that there is no longer a valid reason that Colombians should have to apply for a visa to enter the U.S., and proposing that Colombia enter the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Ms. Nieto commented that these arguments are political, but including Colombia in the VWP depends on compliance with U.S. regulations.

"Despite the political will, the exemption to the U.S. visa depends on compliance with technical conditions established in the Immigration and Nationality Act of the United States, in Section 217. Compliance with these requirements is being analyzed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security," she highlighted.

Ms. Nieto also explained that Colombia has to comply with minimum safety and migration requirements established by the U.S. Because of the rigor of these requirements, it is not possible to determine an exact timeline for the elimination of the visa.

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