Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem admitted Argentina back into the Department of Homeland Security’s visa waiver program, which lets foreign citizens travel in the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, on Monday.
The U.S. removed Argentina from its visa waiver program in 2002 when Argentinians began entering the nation illegally after fleeing their native country, which faced an economic crisis at the time. The change was made because Argentina has the lowest visa overstay rate in the U.S. among Latin American countries, according to the DHS chief.
“Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America, and 25% more Argentines traveled to the U.S. in the first four months of this year compared to last year — the biggest jump of any of the top 20 international arrivals,” she said in a statement. “That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program.”
Noem announced the news during a trip to Buenos Aires, where he met with Argentine President Javier Milei and his officials.
“This statement of intent I signed alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats,” she added. ”This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries.”
While it will likely take years before Argentinian visitors can travel to the U.S. without a visa, DHS is committed to beginning the designation process.
Monday’s announcement reflects the strong alliance between President Donald Trump and Milei, who has become a right-wing leader in recent years. The Argentine presidency called Monday’s agreement “a clear demonstration of the excellent relationship” between the two countries, adding that both have a “shared vision.”
Noem touted Milei’s commitment to border security for the U.S. and Argentina.
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The move comes nearly two months after the Trump administration imposed visa and travel restrictions on foreign nationals from 19 countries, a dozen of which are subject to a full ban.
Following Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Noem is the third Cabinet official to visit Milei in Argentina since Trump returned to office.
