Immigration reform: the government tightened the requirements to enter the country

In compliance with what was announced at the opening of ordinary sessions, President Javier Milei signed a Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) that deeply reforms the Argentine Migration Regime.

The central objective, according to the official statement, is to restore migratory order and prevent abuses in the use of public services by foreign individuals who enter irregularly.

Expulsion of foreigners with criminal convictions

One of the most notable points of the decree is that, from now on, no foreigner with a conviction will be able to enter the country, and those who commit crimes on Argentine soil—regardless of the sentence—will be deported. This includes individuals who have received sentences of less than five years, which previously were not grounds for expulsion or denial of entry.

End of free and unrestricted access to health and university

Another relevant measure establishes that transient, temporary, and irregular foreigners must pay for health services and are required to have medical insurance to enter the country. The statement notes that in 2024, the Argentine State faced an expenditure of 14 billion pesos on medical care for foreigners without coverage.

In the educational sphere, national universities will be able to charge fees to temporary residents for services that are currently free for citizens and permanent residents. However, primary and secondary education will remain free for all residents, in accordance with Article 20 of the National Constitution.

Changes in access to citizenship

The decree also tightens the requirements to access the Citizenship Charter, which will only be granted to those who have lived continuously in the country for at least two years and demonstrate a significant investment. In cases of permanent residence, it will be required to demonstrate sufficient means of livelihood and have no criminal record.

A shift in Argentine migration policy

The President's Office justified these measures on the need to protect taxpayer resources and prevent public benefits from being used by individuals who do not contribute to the system. Milei's administration aims to ensure that "taxpayers' money is used on them and not on those who commit crimes or abuse the system."

The final message of the statement is clear: "Let all those who wish to inhabit Argentine soil know that in this country within the law, everything; outside the law, nothing."