The Argentinian government has amended the country’s Migration Law by decree, allowing authorities to expel foreign nationals who promote messages of hatred against Argentina or its national symbols, whether spoken or written.
The reform also allows authorities to refuse entry to foreign citizens who have engaged in similar conduct.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the office of Argentine President Javier Milei, the new rules will not affect political, ideological or academic criticism, as these areas are considered to be protected under the right to freedom of expression.
The government said the changes were a response to what it described as “recent displays of hostility towards the Argentine Republic and Argentinians,” although it did not cite specific examples. The announcement follows heavy criticism of Argentina and in particular its men’s international football team after the recent FIFA World Cup, in which Argentina finished as runners up.
The reform also comes amid growing diplomatic tensions between Argentina and Brazil and repeated verbal attacks by Milei against his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Since the end of the World Cup, Milei has argued that there is a global campaign against Argentina, an accusation for which he has offered no evidence, instead blaming Brazil, Mexico, and the US Democratic Party.