Milei and Trump begin process to let Argentina rejoin visa waiver program

The “carnal relations” that Javier Milei seeks to restore between Argentina and the United States, similar to those that prevailed in the 1990s, took a new step toward recovering that lost intimacy. On Monday, the president of Argentina received United States Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires, where the two signed an agreement that begins the process for Argentina to rejoin the United States visa waiver program, as was the case until the beginning of the century.

“The beginning of this process is a clear demonstration of the excellent relationship” between Milei and Trump, “based on the trust that exists between both leaders,” the Argentine government celebrated in a statement. Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has adhered to an unconditional geopolitical alignment with the United States and Israel. Secretary Noem reciprocated the support in an official statement released after the meeting: “Under President Javier Milei’s leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States—more committed than ever to border security for both of our nations.”

Argentina was part of the Visa Waiver Program between 1996 and 2002, obtained under the neoliberal administration of Peronist Carlos Menem (1989-1999), a pioneer of “carnal relations” with the US and considered by Milei to be the best leader of Argentina’s democratic period.

To qualify for the program, Argentina must verify that it meets the security and reciprocity requirements imposed by the U.S., maintain an annual visa rejection rate of less than 3%, and allow the repatriation of its citizens within certain timeframes, among other conditions. According to a statement from the Casa Rosada, seat of government, the application “represents the first step in a rigorous process that will require Argentina to comply with high international standards in its immigration procedures, which will strengthen the country’s border security and enhance its international prestige.”

If they pass the evaluations and requirements, Argentine citizens will be able to enter the United States for tourism or business, and stay for up to 90 days, without the need to apply for a visa. In that case, they will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ESTA), the same as citizens of most European countries.

“We’re beginning the process of allowing Argentines to enter the U.S. without a visa. More freedom, more integration, more exchange,” emphasized Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, who participated in the meetings with Milei, Noem, and other senior officials.

According to official reports, the Argentine president and Trump’s secretary discussed bilateral cooperation in trade, foreign security, and the fight against terrorism. Noem also signed a memorandum of understanding with Minister Bullrich to, among other things, strengthen collaboration to identify fugitives and combat drug trafficking.

After the meeting at the Casa Rosada, Noem and Bullrich shared lunch at the Campo de Mayo military base, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Noem toured the facilities on horseback and spoke to the local press. When asked, she did not rule out a possible meeting between Trump and Milei. She also stated that the process for Argentina to join the visa waiver program would take “no less than a year,” to the disappointment of Argentines who were already dreaming of traveling without major difficulties to the next World Cup.