“Costa Rican President Declares Emergency! Migrants Surge to US Borders

The President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado Quesada, has declared a State of Emergency this morning to manage the influx of migrants from other Central American countries headed towards the United States’ borders. This downturn has been caused by the sharp rise of a new strain of poverty and violence in the region, which has induced many citizens to migrate northwards with the hopes of finding more opportunities and a better way for life. President Alvarado’s emergency decree is meant to both contain the coronavirus and to use short-term resources from the government to assist the arrivals. The United States has also been criticized for not helping out Costa Rica during this crisis, despite numerous requests for aid and assistance in managing the influx. In response, the US has allocated $2 million US dollars to help the Costa Rican response and has offered to receive 500 migrant asylum seekers on their own soil. The response at home in Costa Rica is that of mixed reactions, with some being vocal in their disapproval of handling the situation in such a direct way, while others applaud the responsive action taken by President Alvarado and his government. Regardless, the underlying issue is still there and has to be addressed. Migrant arrivals to Costa Rica have left the country in a difficult situation as it struggles to manage not only the immediate influx but also the lasting effects that will accompany the migrants in the aftermath of the current surge. It is yet to be seen if the State of Emergency and the involved international aid will be enough to mitigate the crisis, and provide a stable environment for everyone involved.