The U.S. and Argentina announcedThey are negotiating an agreement that would enable Argentinians to visit the United States without needing a visa. This development occurs against the backdrop of a positive rapport between President Donald Trump and far-right Argentinian leader Javier Milei.
Visa change
While in Buenos Aires, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed an agreement of intent together with Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein and Argentine Minister of National Security Patricia Bullrich.
The letter of intent I signed with Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich underscores our robust collaboration with Argentina and our shared commitment to encouraging legal travel while preventing risks,” Noem stated in a release. “This type of diplomatic guidance, led by President Trump, will contribute to enhancing the security of both nations.
A report from the Associated Presssuggests that it may take between two and three years before visa-free travel becomes operational. However, this action demonstrates the Trump administration’s backing of its largest ally in South America.
Under the leadership of President Javier Milei, Argentina is emerging as an even more robust ally to the United States—more dedicated than ever to securing our shared borders,” Noem stated. “Argentina currently holds the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America, and there has been a 25 percent increase in Argentines visiting the U.S. during the first four months of this year compared to last year—the largest rise among the top 20 international visitor groups. That is why we are now working to reintroduce Argentina into the Visa Waiver Program.
The most recent overstay data, from 2023, indicates that Argentina has the smallest percentage of visa overstays at 0.97% in South America, and is ranked 10th lowest globally.
Croatia (0.51%) was at the bottom of the list, whereas Chad (49.54%) was at the top, significantly ahead of the second-place country, Haiti (31.38%).
Argentina’s VWP history
There are currently 42 nations in theVisa Waiver Program (VWP).
Argentina was the first nation in Latin America to participate in the program in 1996 during the administration of President Bill Clinton. Back then, Carlos Menem was leading the country and implemented policies comparable to those of the current president, Milei.
However, the country was removeddue to a significant financial crisis, including foreign lenders refusing to repay loans, a drop in the value of its currency, and rising unemployment and poverty, the country was part of the 2002 waiver program under President George W. Bush.
Argentina is currently ranked as the second most secure country in South America, according tohomicide rates, second only to Bolivia. Argentina had just 3.8 homicides per 100,000 people last year. That’scomparedto 9.42 killings per 100,000 individuals in 2002.
Rejoining the program will require some time, as stated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency mentioned that both countries need to fulfill high security requirements before the exemption is granted.
Trump and Milei’s relationship
Trump and Milei have maintained a positive relationship since Milei came into power inNovember 2023, with Trump winning re-election a year later. Milei became thefirst world leaderto have a meeting with Trump after the 2024 election.
The two men have also implemented comparable actions during their time in power, including taking their nations out of theWorld Health Organizationand relocating their nations’ embassies in Israel to Jerusalem, a move that Trump implemented during his initial term.
This shift by the Trump administration is regarded as a symbolic win for Milei and Argentina during a period when the administration is increasing limitations on foreign nationals.
“It’s an exception that the U.S. government is offering Argentina within a scenario where there is significant control over immigration from other nations,” said Alberto Fohrig, director of international cooperation at Argentina’s Security Ministry, in a radio interview, according to the report.Buenos Aires Herald.
