In a reversal, President Donald Trump’s administration will reinstate Argentina into the U.S. visa waiver program.
It’s a symbolic upgrade in America’s relationship with Argentina under its current leader, President Javier Milei.
Libertarian Milei is a Trump ally.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced Argentina’s reinstatement while visiting Buenos Aires, the nation’s capital.
Noem cited Argentina’s shared commitment to border security.
This is reflected by Argentina having the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America.
“Under President Javier Milei’s leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States—more committed than ever to border security for both of our nations,” Noem said.
“Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America, and 25 percent more Argentines traveled to the U.S. in the first four months of this year compared to last year—the biggest jump of any of the top 20 international arrivals.
“That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program.”
Membership in the waiver program allows foreigners to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.
Argentina was removed in 2002 as an economic crisis led many Argentines to use the program to stay in the U.S. illegally.
“This statement of intent, I signed alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich, highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats,” Noem said.
“This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries.”
Noem met with Mieli at the president’s office, the Casa Rosada, where they posed next to a golden chainsaw, a symbol of Milei’s aggressive government reforms.
Milei’s election in 2023 shocked the leftist establishment in Argentina.
During the election, Milei blamed the ruling left-wing government for mismanaging Argentina’s troubled economy.
Milei has dramatically reduced inflation with severe cuts to government spending.
The libertarian economist’s efforts have been cited as a model for Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Trump and Milei have warm ties.
Milei was one of a handful of world leaders to receive an invitation to Trump’s inauguration in January.
Argentina’s reinstatement in the visa waiver program will not happen overnight.
Noem acknowledged that it would take “no less than a year” before Argentines are able to travel freely to the U.S again.
Noem is the third member of Trump’s Cabinet to visit Argentina, after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
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