New immigration law to hit undocumented migrants in Argentina
Argentina's government has announced plans to tighten immigration rules in an effort to reduce public spending and crack down on crime linked to illegal immigration.
Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni said a new decree is being drafted that would make it easier to deport foreign nationals convicted of crimes, regardless of how long their sentence is.
Under this new plan, people entering the country illegally could also be expelled immediately.
The plan also includes tougher requirements for gaining residency and citizenship. Foreigners would need to live continuously in Argentina for at least two years without leaving to qualify.
Those who use public healthcare or education services may also be required to pay for them.
Adorni said the changes aim to protect law-abiding immigrants and local residents. “
All those convicted of committing a crime will be deported,” he was quoted by local reports as saying.
The new policy could also allow public universities to charge fees to foreign students. In addition, any foreigner with a criminal record could be denied entry at border crossings.
Adorni argued that nearly 1.7 million undocumented migrants have entered Argentina in the past two decades, placing a heavy burden on the public healthcare system.
He also criticised "health tourists", including people from neighbouring countries who travel to Argentina to receive free treatment and then return home.
He said the new rules are not meant to punish those who follow the law but to ensure fairness.
The government, led by President Javier Milei, says the goal is to welcome immigrants who want to help build a better country, but only within the boundaries of the law.
