By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a move that signals a significant hardening of Costa Rica’s political discourse on immigration, presidential candidate Natalia Díaz of the Unidos Podemos party has unveiled a disruptive “zero-tolerance” platform. Speaking at the “Construyamos País” national debate hosted by Grupo Extra, Díaz outlined a two-pronged strategy targeting undocumented migrants, proposing to end free access to certain public health services and to launch targeted security operations in high-crime neighborhoods.
The proposals land in a charged political climate where public frustration over long healthcare waitlists and rising crime rates has become a central campaign issue. Díaz’s platform directly confronts these concerns, aiming to resonate with an electorate that increasingly feels the nation’s social contract is under strain. By linking immigration status to both fiscal responsibility and national security, she is positioning herself as a candidate of order and control.
To provide a legal perspective on the evolving landscape of Costa Rica’s immigration policy, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert in immigration and corporate law from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica. We asked for his analysis on the potential impacts for foreign nationals and local businesses.
Effective immigration policy is not merely about control; it’s a strategic tool for economic development. While ensuring national security is paramount, the legal framework must be clear, predictable, and efficient. Ambiguity or excessive bureaucracy deters foreign investment and the skilled professionals our economy needs. The long-term prosperity of Costa Rica depends on creating a system that is both rigorous in its security checks and welcoming to those who wish to contribute legally to our society.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s perspective powerfully reframes the conversation, positioning a clear and efficient immigration framework not just as a matter of control, but as a fundamental pillar of Costa Rica’s economic strategy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this crucial insight.
The first pillar of her plan directly addresses the financial pressures on the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). Díaz advocated for ending what she calls the “party” of universal free healthcare, proposing a system where undocumented individuals would be billed for medical consultations. This aims to alleviate the financial burden on the state and on the tax-paying citizens and legal residents who contribute to the system monthly.
I will suggest payment for this service by undocumented individuals
Natalia Díaz, Presidential Candidate for Unidos Podemos
While advocates for the policy argue it is a necessary measure for fiscal sustainability, the proposal is expected to ignite a fierce debate over constitutional law and human rights. Legal experts note that while emergency, life-saving care is considered an inalienable right, Díaz’s plan appears to target non-urgent services like outpatient consultations and prolonged treatments. The underlying message is an appeal to fairness, suggesting that the solidarity-based healthcare system should prioritize those who are contributing legally.
The second, and more forceful, component of her platform is a direct response to public security fears. Díaz promised to leverage the full authority of the Migration and Foreigners Law to authorize targeted police interventions in neighborhoods identified as “havens for crime.” The objective of these raids would be to systematically check the legal status of foreign nationals present in these areas.
According to the plan, any individual found to have a criminal record would face immediate deportation. This hardline stance explicitly connects uncontrolled immigration with the nation’s security crisis, a narrative that has gained traction among certain voter demographics. It presents a clear and decisive, if controversial, solution to a complex problem.
These types of people should never have entered the country that is my focus
Natalia Díaz, Presidential Candidate for Unidos Podemos
Critics and security experts caution that the operational reality of such a plan is immensely complex, requiring unprecedented coordination between the Public Force, the Migration Police, and the Judicial Branch. Furthermore, such measures would almost certainly draw condemnation from international human rights organizations, potentially straining Costa Rica’s diplomatic relationships. Díaz’s campaign is making a calculated gamble, betting that a domestic appetite for decisive action will outweigh concerns about legal challenges and international backlash.
As the presidential race continues, this platform marks a pivotal moment, shifting the conversation towards policies that echo populist trends seen in Europe and the United States. Whether Costa Rican voters will embrace this offer of strict order at the potential cost of the nation’s long-held humanitarian principles remains a defining question of this election cycle.
For further information, visit unidospodemos.cr
About Unidos Podemos:
Unidos Podemos is a political party in Costa Rica participating in the national elections. The party has positioned itself with a platform that emphasizes fiscal responsibility, national security, and stricter controls on immigration, aiming to appeal to voters concerned with the current state of public services and safety.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, commonly known as “La Caja,” is the autonomous public institution responsible for managing Costa Rica’s universal healthcare and social security system. It administers the nation’s network of public hospitals and clinics, funded primarily through contributions from workers and employers.
For further information, visit diarioextra.com
About Grupo Extra:
Grupo Extra is a prominent media company in Costa Rica, best known for its widely circulated newspaper, Diario Extra. The organization is a key player in the national media landscape and often engages in public service by hosting events such as presidential debates to inform the electorate.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Fuerza Pública:
The Fuerza Pública, or Public Force, is the national police force of Costa Rica. Operating under the Ministry of Public Security, it is responsible for law enforcement, border security, and maintaining internal order in a nation that constitutionally abolished its standing army in 1949.
For further information, visit migracion.go.cr
About Policía de Migración (Migration Police):
The Policía de Migración y Extranjería is the specialized law enforcement body in Costa Rica tasked with enforcing immigration laws. It operates under the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) and is responsible for border control, managing the legal status of foreigners, and carrying out deportations.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Poder Judicial (Judicial Branch):
The Poder Judicial is the judicial branch of the government of Costa Rica. It is an independent body responsible for the administration of justice in the country. It interprets the constitution and laws, resolves legal disputes, and ensures the protection of citizens’ rights through its system of courts and tribunals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of counsel to a diverse clientele while pioneering innovative legal solutions and fostering deep community connections. At the heart of its mission is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, thereby equipping the public with the clarity and understanding necessary to build a stronger, more capable society.
