Argentine President Javier Milei has signed an emergency decree barring the entry of, or ordering the expulsion of, foreigners accused of spreading or inciting what the government describes as “hate messages” against Argentina and its citizens.
The decree, which took effect immediately on Thursday, was announced in response to what Milei described as a growing wave of hostility toward the South American nation.
According to a government statement, the measure is aimed at tackling “recent displays of hostility against the Argentine Republic and Argentines,” while insisting it will not affect constitutionally protected rights to express political, academic or ideological opinions.
Although the government did not directly mention football, the decree comes days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, a result that sparked widespread criticism and controversy.
Earlier this week, Milei alleged that left-leaning governments across the Americas were orchestrating an “anti-Argentine campaign,” claims widely linked to reactions surrounding the national team’s World Cup performance.
The decree has, however, drawn sharp criticism from opposition politicians and legal experts, who argue it is vague and unconstitutional.
Leonel Chiarella, leader of the centrist Radical Civic Union party, described the measure as unconstitutional and urged Congress to reject it.
Opposition lawmaker Agustin Rossi also criticised the decree, saying it mirrors the anti-immigration policies associated with former US President Donald Trump.
Under Argentina’s legislative process, the decree will be reviewed by a parliamentary committee before being debated by both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. It can only be overturned if both chambers vote against it.
Lucia Galoppo, an international law specialist at the Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS), warned that the decree leaves significant legal uncertainty.
She noted that it fails to clearly define what constitutes hate speech, the criteria for identifying offenders, or the procedures authorities would use to enforce the measure.
Sociologist Ivan Schuliaquer also questioned the policy, arguing that it contradicts Argentina’s long-standing tradition as a nation built by immigrants.
He said the country has historically welcomed migrants from around the world and suggested the government was attempting to capitalise on public sentiment following the World Cup.
The decree also comes as FIFA investigates the conduct of several Argentine players after the World Cup final, including allegations of assault and unsporting behaviour.
World football’s governing body is also reviewing an incident following Argentina’s semi-final victory over England, where players displayed a banner reading, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine).
