US to Allow Argentinians 90-Day Visa-Free Entry

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced on Monday that Argentinians will be permitted to stay in the US for up to 90 days without needing a visa.

During a visit to Buenos Aires, Christie Noem met with Argentine President Javier Milei, who is notable for brandishing a chainsaw as a symbol of his commitment to budget cuts from his recent election campaign.

“Under President Milei’s leadership, Argentina is strengthening its friendship with the United States, which is fully dedicated to enhancing border security in both nations,” Noem remarked on forthcoming modifications to the US visa waiver initiative.

According to Noem, “Argentina boasts the lowest visa overstay rate in Latin America, with a 25% increase in Argentinian travelers to the US in just the first four months of last year. This represents a considerable rise in international arrivals.” She emphasized this spike as a reason for reinstating Argentina’s participation in the visa waiver program.

This development is viewed as a significant accomplishment for Argentina. It comes amid shifting US policies aimed at tighter regulations on foreign nationals and a surge in deportations of undocumented immigrants.

The renewed programs, which include 42 countries, stem from the close relationship between President Trump and right-wing leader Milei.

Chile remains the sole South American country on a selective list that primarily comprises nations from Europe, as well as some from Asia, Israel, and Qatar.

Noem’s journey to Argentina was marked by the signing of an agreement with local officials concerning the visa rules.

On Monday, she and Milei were seen smiling and giving thumbs up next to a red and gold chainsaw, a nod to what Elon Musk received at the CPAC event.

Milei previously gifted this tool to Musk with the phrase “Viva La Libertad, Carajo,” which translates to “Long Live Freedom, Damn It,” during a February occasion while Musk was involved in overseeing Trump’s new government efficiency efforts.

The connection between Trump and Milei appears to be deepening, despite Musk’s distancing from Trump since then.

The collaboration was highlighted when Milei was one of the few international figures to attend Trump’s inauguration, receiving warm accolades from the former president.

“You know Argentina. A great guy. He’s a big Trump guy. He loves Trump because he loves Trump,” Trump remarked about Milei in a speech in March.

Noem marks the third Cabinet member to engage with Milei in Argentina this year. She also enjoyed a horseback ride with Argentina’s National Security Minister, Patricia Brulich, and witnessed a traditional dance, which seemed to signify a warm reception for the Secretary of Homeland Security.