Bogota, January 28 (RHC)-- UNASUR Secretary-General Ernesto Samper has condemned the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to move forward with his idea of a wall along the Mexican border.

“In the name of UNASUR's secretary's office, I reject the challenging decision adopted by the new U.S. president to force the Mexican people to pay for the humiliating wall supposed to be built in order to physically separate Mexico from the United States,” said the former Colombian president.

In the communique, Samper also expressed concern over the “security and life quality” of Latin American immigrants living in the United States in the aftermath of Trump's decision, and concerns over “trade, peace in Colombia” and Washington's “relations with Cuba.”

The U.S. is reportedly considering a 20 percent border tax on Mexican imports to pay for Trump’s wall along the border between the two countries.  The White House claims the planned border wall, which could cost $14 billion, will save money by decreasing spending on undocumented immigrants.

Mexican head of state Enrique Peña Nieto announced on Twitter earlier that he will not be attending a meeting with Trump that was originally scheduled for next week.  The announcement comes after Trump issued a Twitter ultimatum to his Mexican counterpart saying he should only follow through with the visit if Mexico plans on paying for Trump's proposed border wall.

"This morning, we have informed the White House that I will not attend the scheduled meeting this upcoming Tuesday with @POTUS," Peña Nieto announced in a tweet.  He also used his Twitter account to reaffirm his commitment to working with the U.S. on agreements that benefit both countries.