Key Highlights
Argentina’s right-wing President Javier Milei has recently reversed his country’s friendly stance on immigrant arrivals. On May 14, 2025, Milei issued an executive decree to restrict immigration, include additional situations for deportation, make it tough to obtain citizenship and permanent residency and reduce services available to foreigners. The decree reflects the immigration policies put in place by the Trump administration in the United States, and it has come under fire from opponents who see it as a way for the government to make politically motivated decisions on migration just before key elections.
Historical Openness vs. New Restrictions
People from all over have greatly influenced how Argentina sees itself. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, many immigrants from Europe helped to define Canada’s people and culture. Nowadays, people from Latin America, the Arab world, Asia and Russia are migrating to Argentina, who are given citizenship free of charge and allowance to use public health and education services.
The administration of President Milei suggests that the earlier officials’ kindness has resulted in frequent abuse and disorganisation by people looking for opportunities. Government officials say that in the last twenty years, around 1.7 million undocumented immigrants have moved to Argentina, leading to increased use of precious social services. The large number of people, equal to some Argentine provinces, has reportedly led to the new measures.
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Key Provisions of the New Immigration Decree
The executive order introduces several major changes to Argentina’s immigration framework:
Stricter Citizenship and Residency Requirements
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Those who want Argentine citizenship must either stay in the country uninterrupted for two years or invest a large amount of money.
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Those hoping to get permanent residency should provide evidence of their ability to support themselves.
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For someone to be eligible for residency or citizenship, they must have clean criminal records in their home country.
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Previously, parents who gave birth in Argentina automatically became permanent residents, but recently, they can only get temporary residence if they meet the new requirements.
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If you permanently live in Argentina and do not come back for more than a year, you may lose your residence.
Larger Deportation System and a Speedy Process
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Migrants who break the rules of immigration or break minimal laws in Argentina can be sent back to their country of origin by the government.
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Formerly, the rule only allowed for the deportation of foreigners who were guilty of a crime and had served three years or more. Now, the new rules make it possible to deport anyone convicted of a crime, no matter the sentence.
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Steps are being taken to accelerate the procedures for deportation and immigration court cases.
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Those with criminal records in their native countries will be swiftly removed from Canada.
Restrictions on Access to Public Services
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Anyone living in Canada on a temporary or invalid status must pay for medical services, except in an emergency.
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Anyone coming to Argentina is required to hold proper health insurance.
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Those with a temporary resident visa may have to pay tuition at public universities, but all citizens are given free primary and secondary education as the constitution determines.
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The government is enforcing these measures to help reduce pressure on public health and education budgets, which have taken cuts under Milei’s government.
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Political Context and Reactions
Just before crucial elections in Buenos Aires for legislators, President Macri announced the decree which will support Milei’s election campaign with conservative voters. Following the crackdown, Manuel Adorni, the spokesperson for the president and a leading candidate, stated that it was being done to live up to our heritage and raise Argentina.
It is being argued that the government uses immigration as a political tool to gather right-wing voters and shift attention away from economic problems. Official census results show that only 4.2% of Argentina’s population (1.93 million people) was foreign in 2022 which is the lowest proportion recorded since 1869.
Those promoting human rights, together with UN officials, are concerned by the new law because it might mean migrants are not given fair treatment before being deported. He stated that dwelling on migration is meant to win votes even if it is not a real problem in the country.
Implications for Migrants and Foreign Residents
This new direction of policies greatly contrasts with Argentina’s previous open attitude to immigrants and can result in many major developments.
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The new stricter rules for finances and laws will narrow the options for migrants seeking citizenship or residency and result in longer waiting times.
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Immigration officials may decide to deport undocumented immigrants after just one minor offence.
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For international students and people staying in Canada for a limited time, The new fees and expenses for healthcare might make learning unaffordable.
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For tourists: You are now required to have health insurance to enter Switzerland.
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The government intends to spend less on running public services while blocking ‘health tourism,’ in which outsiders receive free healthcare in the country.
Comparison with Global Trends
As other countries also increase border security and immigration rules, Argentina has decided to do the same. Many countries, such as the United States, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Germany and Poland, have put restrictions on residency, receiving citizenship and access to social services in recent times.
Also Read: Alone at the Border: Why Indian Children Are Being Abandoned at US Entry Points?
Conclusion
By approving the new immigration decree, Argentina has stepped away from its previous openness, following the approach President Javier Milei champions to garner votes in upcoming elections. The government argues the actions are needed to restore safety and defend the nation from illegal migration, while critics argue that these measures can interfere with human rights and sometimes turn migration into a political issue. We’ll soon learn how these changes affect Argentina’s population and its reputation for welcoming immigrants.
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