Full Breakdown
Utah Girl’s Visa Reversal After Two Months Stuck in Colombia
5/17/2026, 4:55:23 AM
Visa Denial and Reversal for Lucia Bermudez Prado
Lucia Bermudez Prado, a 7-year-old Utah student, and her father, Leandro Bermudez, a naturalized U.S. citizen, were stranded in Bogotá for two months after U.S. consular officials denied Lucia’s visa under Trump-era executive orders targeting Venezuelan nationals. Following a lobbying effort, officials granted a National Interest Exception, enabling the visa. The family returned to Salt Lake City International Airport on June 1.
Background & Context
The denial relied on two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump that barred entry for nationals from countries deemed security risks, specifically naming Venezuela. Those orders generally excluded visa applicants already in the United States, but allowed a National Interest Exception for cases deemed beneficial. The Bermudez family’s lawyer argued the orders should not apply because the father is a U.S. citizen and the child had previously entered the United States.
Timeline of Key Dates
Leandro and Lucia traveled to Bogotá on March 8, 2024. U.S. officials denied the visa in late May. On May 28, a National Interest Exception was granted, paperwork issued May 30, and the family arrived in Utah on June 1.
Data and Statistics
Lucia is a 7-year-old second-grader. The family gathered roughly 100 letters of support from Utah lawmakers, classmates and community members.
Official Statements & Responses
Leandro Bermudez said the National Interest Exception “figured in approval” of the visa. Leanys Bermudez called the reunion “a miracle.” Daniel Black argued the orders should not have applied because the father is a U.S. citizen and the child was already in the United States when the proclamations took effect.
Criticism & Opposition
Black noted a misapplication of the orders, saying the policy’s language conflicted with Lucia’s status as a child of a U.S. citizen, highlighting concerns about the immigration crackdown’s rigidity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Federal officials did not explain why the National Interest Exception was granted, leaving the precise legal rationale unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Very excited, happy. It's a miracle,” — Leanys Bermudez, aunt
- “We're happy,” — Leandro Bermudez, father
- “I really appreciate all the help I got because I really believe that was one of the factors that figured in approval of the National Interest Exception,” — Leandro Bermudez
- “This was the plan all along, for her to do this process. She just never should have spent over 60 days in Colombia. That was never part of the plan and shouldn't have happened,” — Leandro Bermudez
Outlook
Leandro plans to resume work at his Taylorsville restaurant after a brief rest. He expects his older son may need a visa to regularize his status. Lucia may repeat second grade, and the family hopes their case will help others in similar situations.
