One of the more perplexing casualties of the weekend social media spat between Presidents Trump and Gustavo Petro of Colombia was the international diplomatic community.

After Petro turned away two flights carrying Colombians expelled from the United States, the United States imposed tariffs on Colombian goods. The decision was unexpected, given the historically close relationship between the two countries and their free trade agreement. But as the disagreement escalated, the next US response was even more surprising: travel restrictions that appeared to ban entry even for Colombians employed by US-based international institutions.

Back in the 1940s, when the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund were established, the United States offered to host these institutions. Their location in New York City and Washington gave the country significant influence over global governance. In return, the United States agreed to recognize the foreign employees of these institutions as international civil servants and to extend many of the same rights and privileges that diplomats enjoy.

Only not last weekend.

Amid the dispute over Colombian deportees, the United States reportedly revoked the visas of Colombians employed by US-based international institutions. These individuals were neither migrants nor Colombian government officials. Nevertheless, those attempting to return to the United States on Sunday were pulled off planes in Colombia, stranded in third countries while trying to board connecting flights, or turned away by US authorities.

The decision to turn away G-4 visa holders, and the delay in reversing that decision, could have lasting impacts.” 
 

The quick resolution to the fight over the deportation flights–“the Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s terms,” the White House announced–did not immediately lead to the lifting of travel restrictions. The decision to turn away G-4 visa holders, and the delay in reversing that decision, could have lasting impacts.

For years, the United Nations and World Bank have been gradually decentralizing their operations to reduce reliance on the United States, discouraged by the challenges of complying with US federal, state, and local rules. Russia has cheered that trend. Now, proponents of a more drastic move out of the United States have new ammunition for an exodus that would carry a high cost in jobs, revenue, and prestige for New York City and Washington.