U.S. officials cite asylum abuse and revoke visas of Colombian activists

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has criticized the American asylum system for being saturated with ‘frivolous’ and ‘fraudulent’ requests. Landau cited the case of Colombian activist Humberto ‘Beto’ Coral as a ‘perfect example’ of such abuse. According to Landau, Coral entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2015 and subsequently applied for asylum, maintaining a work permit for a decade while making disparaging remarks about the U.S. government, including claims that immigrants were being held in ‘concentration camps.’ Coral was deported to Colombia in July 2025 following a decision by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In a separate action, the U.S. Department of State revoked the visa of Colombian political activist Viviana Marín. Landau stated the decision follows Marín’s public calls to make Colombia ‘unlivable’ following the election of President Abelardo de la Espriella. While acknowledging her right to political opinion, Landau asserted that she has no right to enter the United States, noting that the country does not welcome those who seek political opposition through ‘violence or intimidation.’