Former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias announced that the U.S. has revoked his visa without explanation, prompting him to express his ongoing criticism of U.S. policies. Arias speculated that his views on issues such as the war in Ukraine and disarmament may have influenced this decision. Despite his disappointment, he reaffirmed his admiration for the U.S. and its people.
Oscar Arias, the former President of Costa Rica and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has reported that the U.S. government has revoked his visa without an explanation. In a communication with the Associated Press, Arias stated that he received a notification from the U.S. State Department, informing him that new information raised concerns about his visa eligibility. He was advised to re-apply if he wished to travel to the United States, although the specific reasons for the revocation were not disclosed.
Arias, 84, expressed his discontent shortly after President Donald Trump announced tariffs on numerous trading partners, including a 10% duty on Costa Rican imports. He noted the contradiction of such actions from a country that historically championed free trade, asserting, “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 remains unsure of the factors leading to his visa revocation, he speculated that his criticisms regarding various global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the U.S.-China trade conflict, may have influenced the decision. He emphasized the importance of reallocating military expenditures towards education, healthcare, and environmental protection, stating, “Another of the big issues has been disarmament, spending less on weapons and soldiers to free up resources.”
Arias also criticized the decision to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development, which he believes plays a critical role in addressing global human needs. He articulated his viewpoint on American priorities, suggesting they are misguided, saying, “What it all shows is that the priorities are all mistaken and the priorities are all mistaken because the ethical values are mistaken.”
Despite this setback, Arias conveyed that he does not regard the visa revocation as a significant loss. He acknowledged that he has received numerous honorary degrees in the U.S. and expressed admiration for the country and its people. “The United States already gave me 93 honorary degrees,” he remarked, stating that his main purpose for traveling to the U.S. was to accept such honors.
Nevertheless, he indicated that he would have preferred for this situation not to arise, underscoring his appreciation for America.
Oscar Arias’s visa revocation highlights potential tensions between him and the U.S. government over his public statements. He remains a proponent of free trade and advocates for reassigning military spending towards more humanitarian efforts. While he expresses disappointment, Arias maintains a respectful view towards the United States, demonstrating his long-standing connection and acknowledgment of their contributions to his career.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
