U.S. Revokes Visa of Former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias

Oscar Arias, ex-President of Costa Rica and Nobel laureate, has had his U.S. visa revoked without explanation. He believes this decision may reflect disapproval of his criticisms regarding U.S. tariffs and foreign policy. Despite this setback, Arias maintains his commitment to public discourse and critiques on international priorities.

Oscar Arias, the former President of Costa Rica and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has had his United States visa revoked without explanation. At 84 years old, Arias remains resolute in voicing his critiques of U.S. policy and states that this action will not deter him from speaking out. He received notification from the U.S. State Department via email, which indicated that new information had surfaced that rendered him potentially ineligible for his visa. To visit the U.S. again, Arias must reapply for a visa, as per the State Department’s instructions.

The visa cancellation comes in the context of President Donald Trump’s introduction of tariffs affecting multiple countries, including a 10 percent duty on imports from Costa Rica. Arias expressed confusion, stating that such tariffs contradict the longstanding U.S. advocacy for free trade. He noted, “History proves it. You can empirically analyse that those countries with more open economies and more free trade are the ones that have grown more and have been able to improve in little time.”

While Arias is uncertain about the motivations behind the visa revocation, he speculated it could be linked to his criticisms of U.S. foreign policy, including remarks concerning the Ukraine war, U.S.-China commercial conflicts, and the Gaza situation. He emphasized the need for a shift in priorities towards disarmament, education, and environmental protection.

In summary, Oscar Arias, despite the unexpected revocation of his U.S. visa, remains undaunted in his criticism of U.S. policies, particularly regarding trade and military spending. The former president’s views highlight the inconsistencies he perceives in U.S. trade practices, especially while advocating for free trade principles. Arias’s reflections call attention to broader ethical considerations in U.S. foreign policy, stressing that engaging in disarmament and increased funding for social priorities could benefit global humanity.

Original Source: www.indiatoday.in