Javier Milei implements strict immigration policy in Argentina

In May 2025, Argentina's President Javier Milei signed a decree aimed at tightening immigration regulations within the country. This action mirrors similar immigration crackdowns seen during the Trump administration in the United States. The new measures stipulate that immigrants seeking permanent residency must provide proof of income or financial means, as well as a clean criminal record from their home countries. Additionally, the government can now more easily deport migrants who enter illegally or commit minor infractions, as it lowers the previous threshold for expulsion based on criminal records. Previously, authorities could only expel individuals with convictions of over three years. Furthermore, the decree mandates the judiciary to expedite immigration court proceedings, which had previously been prolonged, in an attempt to streamline the process for dealing with immigrants. These changes were accompanied by statements from the administration that depicted new arrivals as a source of 'chaos and abuse' in the country. This rhetoric drew significant backlash from political opponents, with some likening Milei's approach to the policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The new policy comes during a politically sensitive period as Argentina prepares for crucial legislative elections. With Milei's administration aiming to bolster support from conservative voters, his spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, emphasized the need to reevaluate immigration practices that they argue have allowed opportunists to exploit the system. Notably, Argentina's foreign resident population, according to a 2022 census, has reached its lowest level since 1869, highlighting a stark decline in immigration trends over the past century. Critics of the decree, including organizations advocating for migrant rights, have accused the Milei administration of politicizing immigration for electoral gain and misrepresenting the facts surrounding immigration in Argentina. Alongside immigration restrictions, the decree imposes fees for foreigners seeking access to public health care and education, a significant shift from the previous policy that allowed free access to these services. This change is justified by the administration as a move to ensure the sustainability of public services in light of financial stressors, including the massive budget deficits being faced by the government. Public hospitals reportedly have incurred significant expenses treating foreigners, which the administration cites as a reason for the new rules. However, proponents of immigration argue that the new regulations will harm Argentina's long-standing tradition of welcoming immigrants, a nation historically shaped by waves of immigration, particularly from Europe. Several local authorities have already begun charging non-residents for health services, which aligns with the wider crackdown on immigration status in Argentina. Institutional responses from public universities may also introduce fees for foreign students, supporting the claim of overburdening public institutions due to a high influx of students and patients from abroad. As this situation unfolds, attention will likely focus on the impact of Milei's policies on Argentina’s identity as a nation of immigrants and how they affect political and social dynamics leading into and after the forthcoming elections.