The Trump administration revoked the U.S. visa of Costa Rican judge, Fernando Cruz, reportedly linked to his rulings in favor of migrant rights. Cruz said he received no formal notification of the decision.
The move follows his recent human rights award from Northwestern University for a ruling protecting migrants transferred from the U.S.
Cruz is the second Constitutional Chamber judge affected, after Paul Rueda, amid a wider pattern targeting Costa Rican officials.
Several lawmakers and former President Óscar Arias have also had visas revoked.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said over 300 visas have been withdrawn this year.
The measures are widely tied to efforts to counter Chinese influence, particularly in 5G infrastructure.
Fernando Cruz, magistrate with a highly respected career as Attorney General of Costa Rica and as a Justice of the Constitutional Chamber and former President of the Supreme Court, is one of the most independent and courageous magistrates Costa Rica has ever had. He has been very critical of human rights violations. This matter comes at a time when the Constitutional Chamber must review appeals for protection against actions taken by the Costa Rican government in the military alliance convened by the United States, which contravenes the country’s perpetual neutrality and the principle of non-militarization.
Link to the article: Trump Revokes Visa of Costa Rican Constitutional Court Judge Who Defended Migrants
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