AGP Executive Report

Migration & Work Rights: Costa Rica reactivated a special migration category for thousands of Cubans, plus some Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, and Colombians, letting eligible people live and work legally even when refugee cases are pending or rejected; the two-year authorization starts Sept. 1, 2026, with work access as the key benefit. Immigration Policy Watch (U.S.-Costa Rica link): In a high-profile U.S. deportation fight, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told a Senate panel he’d be “happy” to send Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica if he agrees—adding new pressure in the case. Culture & Community (Costa Rica in the spotlight): A Costa Rica Spanish immersion trip for professional Black women by “Spanish For Black Girls” is set for Jan. 16–23, 2027, mixing conversation practice, cultural exploration, and sisterhood in San José. Local Lifestyle: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport says pet-friendly travel is surging, with record dog and cat arrivals and dedicated terminal areas for traveling animals. Media Habits: A new UCR study finds Facebook still leads in Costa Rica, while TikTok is the fastest-growing platform.

Pet-Friendly Tourism in Guanacaste: Liberia’s Guanacaste Airport says pet arrivals hit a new record in the first four months of 2026, with dedicated areas in the terminal and clear SENASA/MAG requirements helping travelers bring dogs and cats. Immigration & Work Rights: Costa Rica announced a special temporary regularization category for thousands of Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and Colombian asylum applicants, aiming to protect legal stay and open access to formal work starting September 2026. Costa Rican Media & Society: A new UCR Communication Research Center report finds Facebook still leads in Costa Rica (80% of adults), while TikTok is the fastest-growing platform, now reaching 58% of adults. Film & Cultural Production: Costa Rican director Paz Fábrega secured further funding for her hybrid doc “To the Future,” with support from regional and international audiovisual programs and Costa Rica’s El Fauno Fund. Language & Community Travel: “Spanish for Black Girls” is running another Costa Rica immersion experience focused on real conversational confidence, cultural exploration, and sisterhood.

Immigration & Work Rights: Costa Rica has announced a special temporary regularization category for thousands of Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and Colombian asylum applicants whose cases are pending or were rejected, allowing legal residency and unrestricted access to formal work starting September 1, 2026. Arts & Film: Paz Fábrega, the first Costa Rican filmmaker to win a VPRO Tiger Award, secured further funding for her hybrid doc “To the Future,” pitching at ECAM Forum in Madrid June 9–11, with support from Costa Rica’s El Fauno Fund and Catalan cultural agencies. Culture & Media: James Perez’s path into journalism is highlighted through community-focused storytelling, including reporting practice from a Costa Rica cultural reporting course. Travel & Lifestyle: National Geographic Traveller (UK) puts Costa Rica on its June cover with “Coast to Coast,” spotlighting biodiversity, sustainability, and Indigenous communities. Community & Giving: LACASA’s 27th annual Garden Tour returns July 11, raising support for survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence. Sports Culture: Pochettino’s U.S. team-building story ties key growth moments to matches including Costa Rica.

Immigration & Work Rights: Costa Rica will let thousands of Cubans reside and work legally, with a new “Special Temporary Category” also set to regularize some Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and other asylum cases starting September 2026—aimed at people whose refugee applications are pending or denied. Film & Culture Industry: Costa Rican director Paz Fábrega, Rotterdam Tiger Award winner, secured funding for her hybrid doc “To the Future,” with Costa Rica’s El Fauno Fund and Catalan support, pitching at ECAM Forum in Madrid. Sports & Identity: Pochettino’s U.S. rebuild is framed as a culture shift, with Costa Rica and Guatemala cited among the matches that helped reset expectations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Local Lifestyle: LACASA’s 27th annual Garden Tour returns July 11, a self-guided community event supporting survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence. Travel & Mobility: Intrepid Travel expands its premium family offerings, including Costa Rica options with wildlife rescue and Maleku Indigenous experiences. Health & Travel Caution: Experts warn travelers about recent hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks, stressing prevention and informed planning rather than avoiding travel altogether.

Costa Rica Travel Rights: A Costa Rican court ordered the State to compensate a passenger removed from a Costa Rica–Mexico flight after a child-support payment records error, underscoring that travelers under court travel restrictions must verify their status and carry paperwork before reaching the airport. Multicultural Education: Clifford Davis Elementary hosted a Multicultural Night with food, performances, and a fashion show featuring countries including Costa Rica, highlighting how schools turn global identity into everyday community. Family Travel Trends: Intrepid Travel launched a premium family collection with eight Costa Rica-focused itineraries, including volunteering at a wildlife rescue center and learning from the Maleku community. Local Mobility on Campus: A look at why electric bikes are increasingly popular for college commuting—faster campus movement, less fatigue, and easier rides across larger university grounds. Culture & Grief Memoir: Susannah Lake’s “Widow’s Fire” brings grief and desire into the open, framing life after loss as both spiritual and deeply human. Global Context: A warning from Ghana’s tertiary regulator (GTEC) flags 70 unrecognized institutions, including one in Costa Rica, urging due diligence on credentials.

Education & Credentials: Ghana’s Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) warns the public about 70 unrecognized institutions, including several operating in Ghana and even Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica, urging due diligence before enrolling or accepting certificates. Costa Rica Travel Rights: A Costa Rican court ordered the State to compensate a passenger removed from a Costa Rica–Mexico flight due to an administrative error tied to a child-support travel restriction—an extra reminder to verify status and carry paperwork. Culture & Street Life: TikTok sensation Max Klymenko brought his “The Career Ladder” street-conversation format to San José’s Teatro Nacional area, turning everyday chats into a viral cultural moment. Environment & Care: A film by Camille Henrot explores ecological grief through the intimate labor of raising children, shot partly in Guatemala and Costa Rica. Sports as Community: Colombia hosts Costa Rica in a World Cup warm-up, while Houston’s World Cup fan festival plans highlight how soccer culture is being built as a long-running lifestyle event. Food & Livelihoods: Banana margins are under pressure as diseases and climate volatility squeeze producers, with BANA calling for a broader conversation.

Costa Rica Travel & Culture: San José welcomed TikTok star Max Klymenko, who brought his “The Career Ladder” street-conversation format to the Teatro Nacional area, turning local everyday life into a viral cultural moment. Local Justice & Safety: Costa Rica’s OIJ arrested a migration official in “Caso Sombra,” alleging possession of child sexual exploitation material, including dozens of files and videos. Family & Daily Life: A Costa Rica man says he was removed from a Costa Rica–Mexico flight due to an administrative child-support travel-ban error, and the State may have to compensate him. Environment & Heritage: A Costa Rica-focused travel piece highlights the country’s protected lands, volcano-and-rainforest coast-to-coast variety, and indigenous traditions like Bribri cacao ceremonies. Tourism Infrastructure: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is pushing a modernization plan, including a new VIP lounge designed around Guanacaste culture and natural scenery. Sports & Community: A Wheel to Surf event in Atlantic Beach brought adaptive surfing to an inclusive beach day, with a Costa Rica surfer among participants.

Visa-and-travel headaches: A Costa Rica–Mexico traveler was removed from his flight after a child-support “travel ban” showed up in the system even though he had already been approved to lift it—now the State faces compensation. Local justice: A Heredia court sentenced Alfaro Mena to 30 years for distributing pornography to two underage girls, using his access as an informal taxi driver. Public safety crackdown: Costa Rica’s OIJ arrested a migration official in “Caso Sombra” over alleged child sexual exploitation material, seizing devices after a Meta alert. Tourism & infrastructure: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is rolling out a $6M modernization, including a new VIP lounge designed around Guanacaste culture and expanded terminals. Culture in the streets: TikTok creator Max Klymenko brought his “Career Ladder” format to San José’s Teatro Nacional area, turning everyday conversations into a viral cultural moment. Music news: Six Feet Under announced Ruston Grosse as its new drummer for an ongoing touring run. World Cup travel dream: Three friends pedaled from Argentina to the U.S. to follow the 2026 World Cup, arriving in Dallas after more than 10,000 miles. Money talk: Costa Rica’s World Cup spending risk is getting attention, with experts warning fans can rack up debt through impulsive purchases. Nature & identity: A Costa Rica travel guide highlights volcanoes, biodiversity, “Pura Vida,” and indigenous traditions like Bribri cacao ceremonies.

Airport & Travel Upgrades: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is rolling out a $6M modernization plan, including a new 354-square-meter VIP lounge designed around Guanacaste culture, plus expanded parking and a General/Business Aviation Terminal. Public Safety & Justice: A Costa Rican immigration official was arrested by the OIJ in “Caso Sombra,” accused of possessing child sexual exploitation material, with devices seized for forensic review after a Meta alert. Court Sentencing: A Heredia Criminal Court handed down a 30-year prison term to an informal taxi driver convicted of distributing pornography to two underage girls, with the ruling emphasizing abuse of trust and psychological harm. Culture & Community: Harmony Northshore is hosting a benefit concert to help cover medical and rehabilitation costs for a student injured while studying abroad in Costa Rica. Lifestyle & Identity Abroad: Jason Lewis, known for Sex and the City, says he quietly moved to Costa Rica to write a nine-book fantasy epic series. Nature & Science: For the Oceans Foundation launched “Operation Peace for the Pacific,” a scientific expedition monitoring marine life in Costa Rica’s South Pacific corridor between Isla del Caño and Puerto Jiménez.

Airport Modernization: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is rolling out a $6M upgrade, including a new 354-square-meter VIP lounge designed around Guanacaste culture and open landscapes, plus expanded parking and a General/Business Aviation Terminal (projects run late 2026–mid 2027). Nature & Tourism: La Fortuna Waterfall earned TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best” spot, placing it in the top 1% of attractions worldwide; the site is managed by ADIFORT, which reinvests admission surplus into local roads, scholarships, security, and conservation. Marine Conservation: For the Oceans Foundation launched Operation Peace for the Pacific, a scientific expedition in Costa Rica’s South Pacific corridor (Isla del Caño to Puerto Jiménez) to study sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and other migratory species. LGBTQ+ Community: A new story spotlights LGBTQ+ Americans relocating to Costa Rica for safety and belonging, with daily life in Atenas described as screen-free, open-air, and community-centered. Arts & Writing in Costa Rica: Sex and the City actor Jason Lewis says he moved to Costa Rica to write a nine-book epic fantasy series, surf, and focus on a daily writing routine. Public Health: PAHO marks World No Tobacco Day by noting Costa Rica’s recent moves to ban flavorings in e-cigarettes and restrict packaging features. Crime & Safety: Authorities report a Costa Rica immigration official arrested in a child sexual exploitation material case, and a Heredia court sentencing an informal taxi driver to 30 years for showing pornography to two underage girls.

Nature & Science: For the Oceans Foundation launched Operation Peace for the Pacific, a scientific expedition in Costa Rica’s South Pacific corridor between Isla del Caño and Puerto Jiménez to track sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, cetaceans, and other migratory species. Tourism & Community: La Fortuna Waterfall won TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best” spot in the top 1% of attractions, with the site’s ADIFORT management model reinvesting admission surplus into local roads, education, security, and conservation. Public Health: PAHO marked World No Tobacco Day by highlighting progress in the Americas and urging action against youth-targeted tobacco and nicotine products; Costa Rica is cited for moving to ban flavorings in e-cigarettes and tighten packaging rules. Culture & Lifestyle: Jason Lewis (Sex and the City) says he moved to Costa Rica to write a nine-book epic fantasy series, pairing daily writing with surfing and Spanish immersion. Local Travel Safety: Juan Santamaría International Airport joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, aiming to improve accessibility for travelers who need extra support. Food Heritage: A look at how Jamaican rice and peas influenced Costa Rica’s gallo pinto, tracing Afro-Caribbean roots in Limón.

Costa Rica in the spotlight: Jason Lewis, “Sex and the City” actor, says he’s relocated to Costa Rica to write a nine-book epic fantasy series—surfing, learning Spanish, and working early mornings. Digital life meets local rules: A guide to Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa breaks down eligibility, income requirements, and document prep for remote workers aiming to stay legally up to two years. Nature and culture tourism: A roundup of Costa Rica’s conservation success highlights how long-term environmental planning helped protect forests, wildlife, and marine ecosystems. Family, faith, and community ties: A Costa Rican connection shows up in a church music tour featuring an Alicia Tabor from Costa Rica, plus a separate piece on Deaf-led church outreach with a Deaf pastor based in Costa Rica. Travel infrastructure: Juan Santamaría International Airport is noted for joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, signaling more accessible travel.

Mental Health & Sports: A new piece links baseball’s “success 3 out of 10” mindset to National Mental Health Awareness Month, urging people to aim for the “magis” (more) instead of settling. Grief & Community: A Bloomberg report says grief retreats are booming in the U.S. as social life shifts toward screens, leaving many bereaved feeling isolated. Church & Reparations: The Global Circle for Reparations and Healing is celebrated after Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical acknowledges the Vatican’s role in enslavement and issues an apology. Immigration & Rights: Multiple reports spotlight pressure on asylum seekers and deportation practices, including concerns about detention conditions and “voluntary departure” deals. Costa Rica Justice: Costa Rican courts upheld a 76-year prison sentence in a femicide case tied to domestic violence, reinforcing access to justice for victims. Costa Rica Culture & Travel: Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa and language-immersion travel trends keep drawing lifestyle-minded visitors, while tourism coverage highlights the country’s ongoing push to attract new travelers. Local Nature & Heritage: Conservation stories include Costa Rica-linked pollinator work and broader wildlife-bridge efforts that reduce animal road deaths.

Costa Rica Justice & Safety: A Costa Rican court upheld a 76-year prison sentence in a femicide case involving a man convicted of killing his partner and daughter, then setting the family home on fire and filing a false report. Accessibility at SJO: Juan Santamaría International Airport added the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, training staff to better support travelers with non-visible conditions. Tourism & Travel Culture: Guanacaste’s airport partnered with the U.S. Embassy to promote the STEP safety enrollment program, with a focus on beach and water safety for visitors. Community & Learning: Grand Canyon University students joined a medical mission hike in Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains, supporting indigenous communities through outreach and care. Culture Through Food: A look at Costa Rica’s coffee culture highlights how the country’s coffee identity stacks up in global consumption conversations. Regional Travel Insight: Commentary argues Costa Rica should watch the El Salvador–Guatemala tourism surge, where road travel and cross-border trips are reshaping the competitive landscape. Global Spotlight on Costa Rica: UN leadership race coverage spotlights Rebeca Grynspan, the Jewish Costa Rican running to become the next UN secretary-general.

Accessibility & Travel Safety: Juan Santamaría International Airport has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, training frontline staff to better support travelers with non-visible conditions. Tourism & Regional Growth: A new look at the El Salvador–Guatemala tourism surge highlights how overland, frequent, affordable travel is reshaping Central America—and raising questions for Costa Rica’s tourism model. Security & Anti-Corruption: President Laura Fernández ordered polygraph tests for police chiefs and ministers as part of an “Elite Force” push to deter organized crime and corruption. Tourism Infrastructure: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport partnered with the U.S. Embassy to promote the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), with a focus on water safety for visitors. Culture & Community: Costa Rica’s La Negrita Basilica was hit by gunfire during Mass, while local reports also spotlight Indigenous farmers shaping a greener future. International Spotlight: UN secretary-general candidate Rebeca Grynspan’s Costa Rica roots and global profile are in the spotlight as she campaigns for the top UN role.

Airport Safety Push: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport just partnered with the U.S. Embassy to promote STEP, putting travel-safety alerts and water-safety guidance right in the terminal for Americans arriving in Costa Rica’s busiest tourism region. Security Overhaul: President Laura Fernández ordered polygraph tests for police chiefs and ministers as part of an “Elite Force” push to stamp out corruption and organized crime amid rising violence. Tourism Momentum: Costa Rica’s 2026 rebound keeps building—Expotur returns May 27–29 to connect local tourism sellers with international buyers, while early-year visitor numbers keep climbing. Culture & Community: The country’s international profile also shows up in global conversations, from UN leadership races to cultural forums like Rio2C’s Ibero-American deputy ministers of culture meeting featuring Costa Rica. Scam Warning: Authorities are flagging a surge in SMS “smishing” frauds that mimic official services and pressure people to click.