Petro calls for undocumented migrants to return home

President Gustavo Petro calls on undocumented Colombians in the U.S. to return home, offering loans to start businesses and contribute to the country's growth.

People express disappointment after discovering their visa appointments were canceled at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, on January 27, 2025. Photo by Diego Cuevas/Getty Images

By Nada Fadiyah and Widya Putri

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has made an unexpected appeal to undocumented Colombians living in the United States, urging them to return to Colombia and "build social wealth" in their home country. The request, made in a social media post on Friday, was accompanied by an offer of loans to help migrants start businesses, adding a practical incentive to his call.

Petro, Colombia's first leftist president, took to X (formerly Twitter) early Friday morning to deliver his message, asking undocumented Colombians to leave their jobs in the U.S. and return home as soon as possible. He emphasized that these individuals could play a pivotal role in the country’s development by contributing to its growth and prosperity. Petro’s bold request stands in stark contrast to the country's prior decisions and comes just days after a diplomatic reversal involving U.S. deportation flights.

"Let's build social wealth in Colombia," Petro wrote in his post, emphasizing that the country's Department of Social Prosperity would offer loans to anyone who chooses to take up the offer. This move has sparked both support and backlash online, as Colombians consider the practical implications of such a call.

A sudden shift in policy amid pressure from the U.S.

Petro’s call to undocumented migrants came less than a week after he backed down from a decision to block U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants. The decision to refuse these flights was made in response to U.S. threats of tariffs and sanctions, particularly from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had warned of economic repercussions if Colombia did not accept the return of deportees.

Initially, Petro resisted accepting deportation flights, but under increasing pressure, he reversed his stance. On Sunday, he agreed to accept the return of migrants via military flights, a move that demonstrated the political complexities and the delicate balance Petro must maintain between standing firm on his policies and responding to external pressures.

The reversal highlighted the growing diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Colombia, especially regarding immigration issues. The issue of undocumented migration has been a sensitive topic for both countries, with the U.S. continuing its aggressive stance on immigration under Trump's policies and Colombia seeking to safeguard the rights and well-being of its citizens.

Loans to support returning migrants

In his Friday post, Petro outlined that the Colombian government would provide loans through the Department of Social Prosperity to help migrants who take up the offer of returning. While Petro did not provide specifics on the amount or terms of these loans, the department typically offers small financial assistance geared towards productive activities aimed at alleviating poverty.

The loans are intended to help returning migrants start businesses and contribute to the country’s economic growth. This initiative aligns with Petro's broader goals of promoting social welfare, reducing poverty, and fostering inclusive development. However, the offer raises questions about how effective this plan will be in practice, particularly given Colombia’s ongoing challenges with unemployment and poverty.

The government’s plan to support returning migrants through loans is aimed at offering a fresh start for those who choose to come back. However, the economic reality in Colombia, including limited job opportunities for the youth and underemployment, has raised concerns among critics about the sustainability of such measures.

The migrant crisis: A growing issue for both Colombia and the U.S.

According to the Pew Research Center, there are an estimated 200,000 undocumented Colombians living in the U.S., a number that has significant implications for both countries. For Colombia, the prospect of welcoming back a large group of citizens is seen as both an opportunity and a challenge. The country has a population of around 53 million, and the return of a sizable portion of its diaspora could provide both human capital and a boost to local economies. However, this influx could also put a strain on the country’s resources, which are already stretched thin due to poverty and inequality.

Petro’s appeal to Colombians in the U.S. to return home also comes at a time when Colombia faces its own economic difficulties. While Petro's administration has focused on reducing poverty and increasing social services, the country continues to grapple with high unemployment rates, particularly among young professionals. Many Colombians have been unable to find jobs within the country despite completing higher education, creating a situation where the return of migrants may not necessarily lead to a smooth reintegration into society.

Mixed reactions to the call for migrants’ return

The response to Petro’s call for migrants to return has been mixed. On one hand, some Colombians have expressed support for the president’s bold move, emphasizing the potential benefits of having more citizens contribute to the nation’s economic and social development. However, many others have criticized Petro’s plan, arguing that it overlooks the pressing issues faced by those who are already in Colombia.

One such critic, identified as Una Tathy X, responded to the president’s post by pointing out that many young professionals who had recently graduated from universities in Colombia are struggling to find jobs. “First, help those who are here,” the user posted in response to Petro’s call, reflecting concerns about the country’s internal unemployment crisis.

This criticism underscores the difficulties Petro faces in managing the expectations of different segments of society. While some Colombians may see the return of migrants as a positive development, others feel that more immediate attention should be paid to domestic issues like youth unemployment and underemployment.

The role of migration in Colombia’s future

Petro’s appeal to migrants reflects a broader strategy to address Colombia’s challenges through a combination of domestic and international efforts. The Colombian government has long relied on remittances sent back by its diaspora, which have helped bolster the country’s economy. According to recent estimates, Colombians abroad send billions of dollars back to their home country every year, providing essential support for families and communities.

However, Petro’s plan to bring migrants home and offer them loans to start businesses marks a new phase in this dynamic. While remittances will likely remain a crucial aspect of the country’s economy, encouraging the return of migrants could create opportunities for economic development and social progress. By providing financial support and facilitating the reintegration process, the government hopes to turn the return of migrants into a resource for national growth.

A controversial path forward for Colombia

In the coming months, it will become clearer whether Petro’s call for returning migrants and his offer of financial support can translate into meaningful economic growth and job creation for Colombia. The success of this initiative will depend on a variety of factors, including the government's ability to manage the reintegration process and the broader economic conditions in the country.

Petro’s appeal represents a bold move, but it also underscores the complex nature of migration and its role in shaping Colombia’s future. While his message has been met with a mix of support and criticism, it sets the stage for a larger conversation about the challenges and opportunities of migration in Latin America. As Colombia navigates its own economic and social difficulties, the decisions made in the coming years will play a pivotal role in determining the country’s long-term prosperity.