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How New Jersey became Costa Rica's 'eighth province': A look at its history
🇨🇷 Costa Rica /Culture & Society

How New Jersey became Costa Rica's 'eighth province': A look at its history

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • New Jersey has become a significant hub for Costa Ricans seeking the 'American dream,' with a large community concentrated there.
  • The area, located between New York and New Jersey, represents a place where many have found opportunities but now face increasing challenges.
  • The article explores the history and current reality of this Costa Rican diaspora in the United States.

New Jersey has earned the moniker ‘the eighth province’ of Costa Rica, serving as a primary destination for Ticos seeking to realize the ‘American dream’.

This concentration of Costa Ricans, primarily located between New York and New Jersey, has historically been a place where aspirations of a better life have materialized. However, the article suggests that this dream is increasingly becoming an elusive utopia for many.

Roger Bolaños Vargas, a journalist for Revista Dominical since 2025, authored the piece. His background includes political coverage since 2022 and a degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of Costa Rica. Vargas previously worked in fact-checking, covering events and international news, and received the ‘Journalist of the Year’ award from La Nación in 2023.

The article delves into the historical narrative and the present-day experiences of this significant Costa Rican community in the United States, examining how their pursuit of the American dream has evolved.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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