More and more compatriots are traveling to the United States in search of better opportunities; many of them are in this country illegally.

This is why the national government has been insisting since the end of last year to grant Colombian citizens the remedy known as deferred forced departure (DDE).

This immigration assistance is decreed exclusively by the American president and, generally, includes a temporary work permit which is usually 18 months but can be extended.

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In April, Colombians were the second nationality with the most arrests at the US southern border, surpassed only by Mexico. The end of Title 42 involved stricter control at the border and harsher penalties for detained migrants who attempt to cross illegally.

In the case of Colombia, It is estimated that there could be hundreds of thousands of undocumented citizens in this country, faced with risks, few job opportunities and health guarantees, as well as the constant fear of being expelled from the territory.

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This is why the ambassador in Washington, Luis Gilberto Murillo, sent a letter to the US government in November 2022, asking to grant relief from delayed forced departure to undocumented Colombians.

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“Migration is a regional issue that must be addressed from the principle of shared responsibility, strengthening regional cooperation to ensure migratory regularization. In this sense, I would like to formally ask the United States to consider allowing a temporary immigration allowance for Colombians present in the country under the guise of the DED humanitarian program, within the framework of the president’s foreign policy powers,” the official said in the letter.

What is a delayed forced departure?

The figure is granted only by the President of the United States through an executive order, the decree sets the criteria for access to the status and the advantages it grants. This figure is granted to citizens of certain nationalities.

It was granted to the Venezuelans in January 2021, but became invalid in July 2022.

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Deferred forced departure status (DED) grants transitional and temporary authorization to a citizen so that this can legally work in the United States, in addition to suspending deportations for a period of time.

However, this remedy is temporary and does not provide permanent status. It usually lasts 18 months.

There are currently only two DEDs in place: in Liberia and Hong Kong.

A resource that would benefit thousands of Colombians

Experts assure that the implementation of this modality could benefit approximately 200,000 Colombians who are undocumented in the North American country.

The request sent to Washington has the support of organizations such as the Colombian Human Rights Committee, CASA in Action and Soulsapaz; which would put pressure on the White House and the United States Congress to grant this immigration assistance to the compatriots.

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Initially, the Colombian government had considered the possibility of applying for temporary protected status or TPS, a figure that it also provides immigration benefits and currently has citizens of 15 countries.

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The process could take at least a year before the United States makes a final decision.

Meanwhile, Colombian and American authorities recommend and promote legal ways to travel to the North American country, and insist on do not resort to illegality which leads to life-threatening.

Santiago Andres Venera Salazar

INTERNATIONAL WRITING

*With WALLET information