Former Costa Rica President Oscar Arias revealed that the U.S. government revoked his visa without explanation, prompted by possible comments on international issues. He criticized recent U.S. tariffs, reaffirming his belief in free trade. Arias also condemned the dismantling of humanitarian programs, stressing the need for ethical priorities. He remains undeterred despite the revoked visa, maintaining his respect for the U.S. and its citizenry.
Oscar Arias, the former President of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has announced that the United States government has revoked his visa. He received a notification from the U.S. State Department indicating that new information has emerged suggesting he may be ineligible for his visa. The email also informed him that he must re-apply to travel to the U.S., though the Department did not provide details regarding the revocation.
At the age of 84, Arias expressed his determination to continue publicly criticizing U.S. policies despite the visa revocation. He made these remarks following President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs impacting numerous trading partners, including a 10% tariff on imports from Costa Rica. Arias argued that such actions contradict the U.S. historical advocacy for free trade, stating, “History proves it. You can empirically analyze 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 unsure of the specific reasons behind the visa cancelation, he speculated that his views on international issues—such as the war in Ukraine, the U.S. trade conflict with China, and the situation in Gaza—may have displeased Washington. He emphasized significant topics, including disarmament and reallocating funds from military spending to critical areas like education and healthcare.
He was also troubled by the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which he believes undermines efforts to meet basic human needs globally. Arias remarked on the misplaced priorities reflected in U.S. actions, stating, “What it all shows is that the priorities are all mistaken and the priorities are all mistaken because the ethical values are mistaken.”
Despite the visa cancellation, Arias reassured that it does not significantly impact him. He noted, “The United States already gave me 93 honorary degrees. They aren’t going to give me any more. The main reason for my trips (to the U.S.) was to receive those doctorates. I would have preferred this didn’t happen because I admire that country, I admire its people.”
In summary, Oscar Arias, a notable critic of U.S. policy and advocate for free trade, has publicly acknowledged the revocation of his visa by the U.S. government. Although he is uncertain of the reasons behind this decision, he attributes it potentially to his positions on significant global issues. Arias firmly believes in the importance of ethical priorities, emphasizing the need for humanitarian focus over military spending. Despite this setback, he remains undeterred in his admiration for the United States and its people.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
