Argentina to Establish New National Migration Agency Amidst Increased Expulsions

Introduction to New Migration Policies

The government of Javier Milei in Argentina is moving forward with plans to establish a new National Migration Agency, a significant restructuring of the country's immigration oversight. This initiative comes amidst a stated focus on enhancing border security and a reported surge in the expulsion of foreign nationals.

Shift in Authority and Objectives

The proposed agency will operate under the Ministry of Security, a notable change from its previous placement within the Ministry of the Interior. This shift underscores a strategic reorientation of immigration control, aiming to optimize border coordination, policing, and migration intelligence to confront transnational threats and combat crime. The ultimate goal is the creation of an immigration police force, drawing inspiration from the model of the U.S. Border Patrol. The official launch of the new agency was initially announced by then-Security Minister Patricia Bullrich in November, with her successor, Alejandra Monteoliva, continuing to advance these policies.

Tightening Immigration Rules and Record Expulsions

The Milei administration has implemented a series of stricter immigration measures. These include:

• Expedited deportation procedures for foreign nationals with criminal convictions, regardless of the sentence.
• Offences carrying prison sentences of less than five years now also qualify for expulsion.
• New requirements for temporary, transitory, and undocumented residents, who may face charges for public healthcare services and university tuition.
• Stricter criteria for citizenship, requiring two uninterrupted years of residency or a significant investment, and for permanent residency, demanding proof of income and a clean criminal record.

Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva recently announced a 'record number of expulsions, inadmissibility cases, captures, and extraditions' of foreigners. Between December and January, nearly 5,000 people were reportedly unable to enter Argentina or were expelled.

Government Rationale and International Parallels

The government's hardline stance on immigration is framed as a response to perceived 'chaos and abuse' within the existing system and is partly driven by economic austerity measures. Presidential Spokesperson Manuel Adorni has stated that it is 'time to honor our history and make Argentina great again,' drawing comparisons to the immigration policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump, comparisons which the Milei government has welcomed. While the government emphasizes welcoming those who contribute positively to the country, it maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards those who violate laws or enter illegally.