Oscar Arias, a former president of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace winner, claims that the US has revoked his visa without giving a reason. Arias, 84, claimed at a press conference that he was informed of his situation via a “terse” message from US government but that he had no explanation for the choice.
Arias, who previously held the office of president of Costa Rica (86-1990 and 2006-2010 ), speculated that Arias ‘ renewal may be related to his condemnation of US President Donald Trump or his prior diplomatic relations with China.
He stated,” I established diplomatic relations with China. That is, of course, well known throughout the world,” referring to his determination in 2007 to cut ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing.
His censure of Trump has been outspoken. According to The New York Times in February, he claimed the US senator had behaved like a” Roman prince, telling the rest of the world what to do.” Arias continued,” During my institutions, Costa Rica previously received requests from Washington as if we were a fruit republic.”
The US express office has not offered a formal justification. However, Arias ‘ visa was revoked in accordance with Section 221( i ) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which gives the US government the authority to revoke visas at will. Arias, however, insisted that he had” no idea” why this occurred, adding that” If someone wants to punish me in the hopes of silencing me, that isn’t going to work.”
Arias ‘ immigration was suspended as a result of Trump’s administration’s wider attention of foreign citizens.
Three Central American politicians who opposed President Rodrigo Chaves ‘ plan to obstruct Chinese companies from developing Costa Rica’s 5G network have also been denied visas by the US, according to the media firm AFP.
Trump’s presidency has been cautious about China’s effect in Latin America, backing President Chaves ‘ determination while opposing those who are perceived to align with Beijing. The revocation even follows a pattern in which US authorities revoke visas for people who are perceived to be opposed to Trump’s policies.
The US has denied access to immigrants who have protested or held views that are perceived as “hostile” to the country’s institutions or government, according to the New York Times.
Arias continues to be angry despite the immigration withdrawal, saying,” The United States is a paradigm of politics, or it has been. It exhibits qualities of autocracy now, according to AFP reports. He criticized the decision as disturbing, but he claimed he had no current plans to travel to the US.
