Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
18h ago

U.S. and Argentina Begin Process to Reinstate Visa-Free Travel

The statement of intent signed in Buenos Aires by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signals the start of a two-to-three-year effort to restore visa-free U.S. travel for Argentine citizens.

Image
The seal of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seen in Del Rio, Texas, U.S., September 19, 2021. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo
Image
Image

Overview

  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Argentina’s Security Minister Patricia Bullrich signed a preliminary agreement on July 28 to kick off Argentina’s reentry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
  • The agreement launches a two-to-three-year review process during which Argentina must meet security benchmarks, including maintaining low visa overstay and enhanced border controls.
  • Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate among Latin American countries and has seen a 25% jump in U.S. tourist arrivals this year, data from the International Trade Administration show.
  • The move underscores deepening cooperation on immigration and border security between President Donald Trump’s administration and President Javier Milei’s government.
  • Argentina was expelled from the Visa Waiver Program in 2002 amid economic collapse and spikes in unauthorized migration, and its return would reverse a more than two-decade ban.