Key facts
- Argentina's Migration Law has been amended by decree under President Javier Milei.
- Foreign nationals promoting hate speech against Argentina or its national symbols can be expelled.
- The reform also allows authorities to refuse entry to such individuals.
- Political, ideological, or academic criticism is explicitly excluded from the new measures.
- The government stated the changes are a response to "recent displays of hostility towards the Argentine Republic and Argentinians."
Argentine President Javier Milei has authorised changes to the country's Migration Law by decree, enabling the expulsion of foreigners who engage in hate speech against Argentina or its national symbols. The reform, announced on Thursday, also permits authorities to deny entry to individuals who have exhibited similar conduct. The government stated that these measures are a response to "recent displays of hostility towards the Argentine Republic and Argentinians," though specific examples were not provided. Political, ideological, and academic criticism are protected under freedom of expression and are not affected by the new rules. This development follows significant criticism directed at Argentina, particularly its national football team, after the recent FIFA World Cup, where the team finished as runners-up. The reform also comes at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions between Argentina and Brazil, marked by verbal exchanges between Milei and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Milei has previously alleged a global campaign against Argentina, without offering evidence, and has implicated Brazil, Mexico, and the US Democratic Party.