What's happened
The US is moving to support Argentina's re-entry into the Visa Waiver Program, with a process expected to take two to three years. The move signals strong US-Argentina ties under President Milei, who aligns closely with Trump and conservative policies. The agreement was signed during Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's visit to Buenos Aires.
What's behind the headline?
The US move to support Argentina's re-entry into the Visa Waiver Program underscores a strategic alignment with Milei's government, which echoes many of Trump's policies. This initiative is likely to serve multiple purposes: strengthening diplomatic ties, fostering economic and security cooperation, and countering China's influence in the region. The process will take years, but the symbolic gesture signals a clear intent to deepen US-Argentina relations. The agreement also reflects US efforts to promote lawful travel and border security, especially as Argentina's low visa overstay rate makes it a promising candidate. However, the delay in implementation highlights the complexities of diplomatic negotiations and the influence of regional geopolitics. The move may also be viewed as part of a broader US strategy to reinforce conservative alliances in Latin America, especially with Milei's populist, pro-Trump stance. Overall, this development will likely enhance bilateral cooperation but faces hurdles related to regional diplomacy and internal political dynamics.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the US is supporting Argentina's re-entry into the Visa Waiver Program, with a preliminary agreement signed during Kristi Noem's visit to Buenos Aires. The process is expected to take two to three years, and the move is seen as a sign of strong US-Argentina relations under Milei, who is aligned with Trump. The South China Morning Post highlights that this support is a symbolic victory for Milei, emphasizing his close ties with Trump and his efforts to reshape Argentina's foreign policy. Both sources note the low visa overstay rate in Argentina and the significance of this move amid US restrictions on foreign travel. The AP News confirms the timeline and the political backing from the US, emphasizing the strategic importance of the agreement and the regional context. The New York Post adds that Noem's visit included symbolic gestures like horseback riding and a barbecue, reinforcing the friendly diplomatic tone. Overall, these sources collectively portray a strategic US effort to strengthen ties with Milei's government, with implications for regional geopolitics and US influence in Latin America.
How we got here
Argentina was previously part of the US Visa Waiver Program in the 1990s but was removed in 2002 due to economic and security concerns. President Milei, a close ally of Trump, has prioritized improving bilateral relations, including efforts to expedite visa-free travel. The US aims to bolster regional cooperation and support Milei's government amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, including balancing relations with China.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Will Argentina and the U.S. Achieve Visa-Free Travel Soon?
Argentina and the U.S. are making progress toward a landmark agreement that could allow Argentine passport holders to travel to the U.S. without visas within the next few years. This development raises questions about what this means for travelers, diplomacy, and regional relations. Below, we explore the key details and what to expect next.
More on these topics
-
Javier Gerardo Milei is an Argentine libertarian economist, politician, author, radio conductor, preacher, public speaker and recently-elected federal deputy, sympathetic to the Austrian School of economic thought.
-
Kristi Lynn Noem is an American politician who is the 33rd governor of South Dakota, serving since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served as the U.S.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Patricia Bullrich is an Argentine politician who was appointed Minister of National Security in 2023 under president Javier Milei, having previously held the office under president Mauricio Macri from 2015 to 2019.
-
Carlos Saúl Menem was an Argentine lawyer and politician who served as the 44th president of Argentina from 1989 to 1999. He was also a Senator for La Rioja Province from 2005 until his death.
-
Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a country located mostly in the southern half of South America. Sharing the bulk of the Southern Cone with Chile to the west, the country is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the