Christmas Woes: Nicaraguan Families Face Separation Due to New Immigration Laws

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As Christmas approaches, many Nicaraguan families find themselves grappling with separation due to a newly enacted immigration reform in Nicaragua. The new law, approved by the Sandinista Parliament, allows the government to deny foreign citizens and residents entry to or exit from the country, a move seen as part of ongoing political repression under President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo.

Since 2018, over 900,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country to escape political persecution and economic hardship. For many, like a member of the Marcos family, plans to reunite for the holidays have been dashed. The family had hoped to travel to Costa Rica to celebrate Christmas together but abandoned their plans after learning about the harsh penalties associated with the new immigration law, which includes prison sentences for those deemed to undermine national integrity.

The situation is echoed in other stories, such as that of Azucena Bracamonte Valle, a nun who was recently denied entry into Nicaragua while returning from Rome due to accusations of "treason." As the holiday season arrives, the emotional toll of separation weighs heavily on many Nicaraguan families, with Christmas traditions significantly impacted by the regime's tightening grip on the country.

Political opposition groups, including the Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense, highlight the pervasive family separations and have launched campaigns to share the personal stories behind the political crisis. These narratives reveal the profound sadness and longing felt by many, particularly during what is traditionally a time of family reunions.

The Ortega administration, however, has dismissed criticism, portraying an image of unity and stability in televised addresses. Despite governmental assurances, displaced Nicaraguans continue to face uncertainty, marking yet another challenging holiday season away from their loved ones.

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