Today, I am announcing the public designation of former Nicaraguan President Arnoldo Aleman due to his involvement in significant corruption. In his official capacity as President of Nicaragua from 1997 to 2002, Aleman was involved in corrupt acts such as misappropriating millions of dollars of public funds for the benefit of himself and members of his family. While this designation is based on acts during his time in office, Aleman's corruption continues to reverberate in Nicaragua today. With this designation, I am reaffirming the importance of accountability and transparency in Nicaragua's democratic institutions.
This designation is made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2020 (Div. G, P.L. 116-94). Under Section 7031(c), once the Secretary of State designates officials of foreign governments for their involvement, directly or indirectly, in significant corruption, those individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States. In addition to Aleman, the Department is publicly designating the following members of Aleman's immediate family: Maria Fernanda Flores Lanzas, Maria Dolores Aleman Cardenal, and Jose Aleman Cardenal.
This designation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting political reforms key to Nicaragua's democratic institutions. The United States continues to stand with the people of Nicaragua. The Department will continue to use authorities like this to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally.
