U.S. Revokes Visa of Nobel Prize-Winning Former Costa Rican President
The United States revoked the visa of Óscar Arias Sánchez, former Costa Rican president and Nobel laureate, without explanation. Arias noted his shock and questioned the motives, suggesting potential political retribution for his criticism of the Trump administration. The incident highlights a broader trend of visa revocations targeting those seen as antagonistic to U.S. interests, which could influence international student enrollment and tourism negatively.
The United States has revoked the visa of Óscar Arias Sánchez, a former president of Costa Rica and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, without providing a reason, according to reports from The New York Times. Sánchez, who served two terms as president and was recognized in 1987 for his efforts in resolving Central America’s civil conflicts, received notification of the decision via email from the U.S. government.
The email referenced Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants authorities the power to revoke visas at their discretion. During a press conference in San José, Arias expressed uncertainty about the motives behind the revocation, stating, “I don’t know why they revoked my visa,” and added that if the intention was to silence him, it would not succeed.
Arias has been openly critical of the Trump administration, previously labeling Donald Trump as a “Roman emperor” on Facebook. Notably, he mentioned that he does not currently intend to travel to the United States and did not disclose details about the specific visa affected.
The revocation of Sánchez’s visa highlights a broader initiative by the Trump administration, which has reportedly revoked over 300 visas from individuals perceived as having a hostile disposition toward the U.S. This includes students such as Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk, both of whom faced visa cancellations without clear justification.
As a consequence, the fear of visa revocation has begun to discourage international students and political activists, impacting their decisions to study in the United States. Additionally, the strict immigration policies under Trump have contributed to a decrease in tourism, resulting in significant losses for the U.S. economy as international visitors feel increasingly unwelcome.
In conclusion, the revocation of Óscar Arias Sánchez’s visa reflects the broader trend of visa cancellations under the Trump administration, often affecting individuals critical of U.S. policies. This decision not only raises concerns among international political figures but also has implications for the educational environment and tourism in the United States. As these measures continue, they may deter foreign students and visitors, adversely impacting the global standing of the U.S.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
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