The U.S. State Department has announced plans to revoke the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro — a sitting head of state — for delivering a pro-Palestinian speech at a demonstration outside the United Nations in New York.

This action is an alarming misuse of U.S. visa policy to punish a foreign leader for political speech — speech protected under international diplomatic norms and the very principle of free expression the U.S. claims to champion.

In his remarks, President Petro called for international efforts to end the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and urged soldiers to obey human rights before politics. Whether you agree with his words or not, punishing a world leader for opposing U.S. foreign policy sets a dangerous precedent — one that threatens global diplomacy, silences dissent, and violates the spirit of the 1947 U.N. Headquarters Agreement, which guarantees access to the U.N. for all member states.

We, the undersigned, call on the U.S. Department of State, the White House, and President Donald Trump to:

• Reverse the visa revocation against President Gustavo Petro
• Reaffirm U.S. commitment to international diplomatic access and freedom of speech
• Respect the right of foreign leaders to participate in global dialogue — even when they criticize the U.S.
   

Banning world leaders from entering the U.S. because they oppose war or call for justice undermines America’s credibility and isolates the very institutions meant to protect peace.

You don’t have to agree with President Petro to defend his right to speak — and to be heard.

Don’t politicize visas.

Don’t silence diplomacy.

Reverse the ban and respect international law.