Pennsylvania, Delaware, and South Jersey requires enhanced diplomatic services, revealing a pressing need for a Colombian consulate.
In 2021, around 1.4 million individuals of Colombian descent resided in the United States, as revealed by a Pew Research Center analysis of the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. This statistical profile encompasses Colombian immigrants and those with family ties to Colombia, constituting the seventh-largest segment of the U.S. Hispanic population at 2%. Over the period from 2000 to 2021, the Colombian-origin population witnessed a remarkable 183% surge, escalating from 500,000 to 1.4 million. Simultaneously, the Colombian foreign-born community in the U.S. experienced a 113% growth, escalating from 380,000 in 2000 to 820,000 in 2021. In Pennsylvania, 31,355 Colombians reside based on the U.S. Census 2020. It is not specific data for Philadelphia.
Acción Colombia, a 20-year-old nonprofit supporting the Colombian community, has been a crucial link between the community and consulates in New York and Newark, NJ. Leity Rodriguez-Largo, Acción Colombia’s Executive Director, highlights the challenges of not having a consulate nearby. “Challenges include limited access to consular services, resulting in inconvenience, financial burdens, and missed workdays for Colombian nationals who must travel to Newark, NJ. Dr. Maria del Pilar Cruz Silva, the new General of the Colombian Consulate, is working to improve the system. Usually, the mobile Colombian Consulate comes to Philadelphia once per year; in 2023, they came twice. Many Colombians went to get the needed services each time and stayed for long hours to get served.”
The absence of timely assistance during emergencies or crises leaves citizens without crucial support, as experienced during the pandemic. Additionally, the need for identification for newly arrived Colombians and difficulties making consulate appointments contribute to their challenges, according to Margarita Becker from Colombianos en Philadelphia.
In response, Coalición Colombia Cívica was formed last year to advocate for a Colombian consulate in Philadelphia to continue serving their community. Acción Colombia, Colombianos en Philadelphia, Elevated Latino, and GPL Magazine are those organizations.
Consul General Cruz Silva said: “We wish to have a greater presence in Pennsylvania and provide closer service and support; However, distances are a challenge. Although there are no current official figures of the magnitude of the Colombian community located in Pennsylvania, what is evident from the consulate is the high and growing volume of procedures requested by our compatriots who travel to the consulate from various cities in that state. We are here to serve them.”
Lili Daliessio is the Community Information Manager at Esperanza Housing and Economic Development.
