Oscar Arias, former Costa Rican president and Nobel laureate, announced the revocation of his U.S. visa. He criticized the U.S. tariffs on imports and emphasized the contradiction with the country’s free trade principles. He speculated that his political stances may have influenced the visa decision but expressed admiration for the U.S. despite the situation.
Oscar Arias, the former President of Costa Rica and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has revealed that the United States government has revoked his visa. In a correspondence received from the U.S. State Department, Arias learned that the cancellation was due to new information suggesting his ineligibility for the visa. He stated that to travel to the U.S. again, he must re-apply, although no reasons for the revocation were provided.
Arias expressed his dissent regarding the current U.S. tariffs imposed on various trading partners, including a significant 10% duty on Costa Rican imports. He articulated that such moves are contradictory to America’s historical advocacy for free trade, noting that nations with more open economies tend to experience rapid growth. Arias was a prominent advocate for the free trade agreement between the U.S. and Central America.
While Arias is unaware of the specific reasons behind his visa cancellation, he speculates that his critical stance on several geopolitical issues—such as the war in Ukraine and U.S. relations with China and Gaza—may have played a role. He emphasized the importance of disarmament, prioritizing resources for education and environmental protection instead of military spending.
The former president voiced his confusion over the U.S. decision to dismantle its Agency for International Development, which provided essential services globally. He critiqued this action, stating it reflects misplaced ethical values and priorities.
Despite the visa revocation, Arias remains unfazed. With a collection of 93 honorary degrees from the U.S., he humorously noted that he is unlikely to receive more and expressed his admiration for the country and its people, emphasizing that he does not lose sleep over this situation.
In summary, Oscar Arias, an influential figure in promoting free trade, has publicly criticized the U.S. for revoking his visa without explanation. He has linked this action to broader geopolitical conflicts and underscored the need for ethical priorities in governance. Despite his concerns, he maintains a respectful admiration for the United States and does not see the visa issue as a personal setback.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
