President Javier Milei has issued a decree making hateful or violent statements against Argentina or its citizens grounds for expelling foreign residents or denying entry to foreign nationals.
Milei amended the Immigration Law on Thursday through a decree of necessity and urgency (DNU, in Spanish), an executive order intended for exceptional circumstances in which measures cannot await congressional approval.
In a communiqu, the President’s Office said the measure applies to “any foreign national who directs or incites messages of hate, discrimination, and/or violence against the Argentine people or its citizens on the basis of their nationality, as well as any act of desecration of national symbols.”
“In light of recent displays of hostility toward the Argentine Republic and Argentines, the National Government reaffirms that the defense of the nation, its citizens, and its symbols is non-negotiable,” the statement said.
The “displays of hostility” refer to what Milei has described as anti-Argentina campaign during and after the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, including accusations of racism against Argentines and claims of unsportsmanlike conduct by members of the national team, which finished as runners-up after losing to Spain in the final.
“Anyone who attacks the Argentine Republic is not welcome in our country,” the government said.
New grounds for expulsion The decree establishes new grounds for denying foreigners entry or residence in Argentina, as well as for revoking residency and ordering deportation, regardless of how long they have lived in the country.
The list now includes making hateful statements, whether spoken or written, inciting violence against the Argentine people as a whole or against an Argentine citizen because of their nationality, or desecrating national symbols.
However, the decree clarifies that the measure “in no case” applies to “expressions of ideological dissent or political, academic, or civic criticism that constitute a legitimate exercise of constitutionally enshrined rights.”
Those affected by the measure will be ordered to leave the country within a specified period. In the case of foreign residents, authorities will take their personal circumstances into account when determining the deadline for their departure from Argentine territory.
While the decree does not explicitly state how the new provisions apply to foreign tourists, the language appears to allow authorities to deny entry to any foreign national who has made such statements.
It is also unclear whether the amendment will lead Argentine authorities to actively screen the social media activity of current foreign residents or people seeking to enter the country, whether to apply for residency or as tourists, for hateful or violent comments.