Colombian President, Gustavo Petro, calls immigrants in the U.S. to reject remittance tax by Trump
The tax is part of Trump's proposal, which includes an additional 37% measure affecting Colombia and Mexico.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his objection on his social media against Donald Trump's new economic policy. On his X handle, Petro called on Colombian immigrants in the US to protest the suggestion to subject remittances to a 3.5% tax.
The Colombian president signed the demonstration of Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum and referred to the measure as a cut in the "real salary" for migrant workers who send money to their relatives abroad.
Gustavo Petro summons Colombian immigrants in US to boycott tax on remittances
The U.S. bill proposing the taxation of immigrants' remittances is part of the so-called "big, beautiful bill" endorsed by the U.S. Congress by Donald Trump. This includes a 3.5% general tax, in addition to a proposal named the "Border Security Investment Act", which places a 37% tax on remittances to high irregular migration nations, which might involve Colombia and Mexico.
As a response to this move, Gustavo Petro tweeted from his official X account: "Colombian workers in the U.S. will pay a remittance tax on their remittances to their relatives in Colombia if the U.S. Congress supports this U.S. government bill. I think Colombian workers in the U.S. should demonstrate as well. It is a reduction in their real wages.
Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, also responded to the tax new policy on the U.S. reffered it as illegal since a 1992 agreement. Photo: EFE
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Claudia Sheinbaum also opposes immigrant remittance taxes
Claudia Sheinbaum, also opposed the remittance tax plan. Mexican President proclaimed at the "La Mañanera" press conference on Monday, May 26, at the National Palace, the move "a blow to those who have the least". Sheinbaum pointed out that the move contradicts fiscal justice principles and hits directly millions of immigrants already paying taxes in the United States.
The president recalled that Mexico and the United States share a bilateral treaty that was signed in 1992 which prohibits double taxation. The president also recalled that remittances not only benefit recipient nations, but also generate the U.S. economy, as the immigrants use most of what they earn back in the country.
