An Inquiry into the causes of limited immigration in Colombia: Absence of policies or restrictive policies?

This essay argues that immigration into Colombia has been historically low due to the absence of coherent and systematic public policies. However, when such policies have existed, they have not promoted immigration because of the lack of economic incentives for potential immigrants, the relentless violence in the country since the very foundation of the republic, and as a result of national and ethnic prejudice that was frequently manifested by decision makers. This article also underlines the paradox of a sparse immigrant community in the country and large numbers of Colombians residing abroad.