The Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) extends special duty treatment to certain U.S. imports from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru that meet domestic content and other requirements. The purpose of ATPA is to promote economic growth in the Andean region and to encourage a shift away from dependence on illegal drugs by supporting legitimate economic activities. This report outlines the various aspects of the ATPA, including significant dates and modifications.

This report provides an overview of recent political developments in Colombia. It reviews the administration of President Uribe (2002-2010), continuing into the election of President Juan Manuel Santos and his first months in office. The report then provides background on the longstanding conflict with internal armed groups that has marked Colombia’s modern development, examining the roots of the conflict and its major actors as well as their present status. The report considers ongoing challenges such as human rights, demobilization and displacement, drug trends, and Colombia’s regional relations. It outlines the National Consolidation Plan which updates Plan Colombia with a whole-of-government approach to eliminate the insurgency, and it describes the U.S.-Colombia Defense Cooperation Agreement. The report raises some of the major policy issues that the U.S. Congress has had, and will continue to pursue, in relation to U.S.-Colombia policy, such as the pending U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Interview with Colombian-born oral surgeon Pedro F. Franco as part of the DFW Metroplex Immigrants Oral History Project. The interview includes Franco's personal experiences about childhood in Cali, Colombia, attending college and dental school in Bogota, playing on the college soccer team, and working for a new constitution in Colombia. Additionally, Franco discusses family background, his father being kidnapped by a guerrilla group, his residency in the guerrilla-dominated portion of Colombia, educational experiences in Chicago, returning to Colombia, his decision to come to Dallas after being threatened by guerrillas, the impact of his father and mother shaping his values and work ethic, dealing with American stereotypes of Colombia, the apathy of the new generation in America, the legalization of narcotics, his expectations upon coming to America, his thoughts on the importance of philanthropy, and the importance of immigrants in making American great.