Costa Rica is a very rich country and Honduras is very poor. The citizens of Costa Rica have known all their lives that they could be over run by their poor neighbors. Hence they maintain their border.
As to free stuff, I do not know their social safety net policy, but I do know that if you can’t get in, the policy will not apply to you.
My knowledge of immigration policies is limited, I once considered moving there, as the cost of living is lower than the US and the country is beautiful. (Many from the US do make Costa Rica their home.)
Here is a link that shows that they do have a merit system involving self support: https://www.costaricaimmigration.com/immigration.htm
“Costa Rica abandoned their military power so there is no threat of a coup.”
That sentence stumped me. How do they enjoy success in securing their border and avoid being over run, I wonder.
Seems conditions are changing fast, as Marx rises everywhere. I wonder if they will regret having no standing military power?
Sorta like Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Neither of which offer Americans the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. Be Careful.
And yet I have missionary friends who go to Costa Rica every year and are constantly fund raising for the clothing and education of the people in their target area. I guess it's relative.