US Revokes Visa of Costa Rica's Arias

Former Costa Rican President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Óscar Arias announced that the United States has revoked his visa, although no explicit reason was provided. Arias, who has been critical of US President Donald Trump, speculated that his comments likening Trump to a 'Roman emperor' and his decision to establish diplomatic ties with China over Taiwan in 2007 might be factors. The US State Department's decision is reportedly linked to a broader policy of barring individuals perceived as having 'hostile attitudes' toward the US. Arias emphasized that such actions will not silence him, despite the terse notification he received. Additionally, the US has previously revoked visas of other Costa Ricans, including lawmakers opposing US-favored policies in Costa Rica. Arias' case highlights tensions between Costa Rica's diplomatic decisions and the US administration's stance on Chinese influence in the region.