Government Announces Reforms to Strengthen Immigration Policy
The Argentine government announced a series of reforms on Wednesday to tighten its immigration policy, including the expulsion of foreigners convicted of committing crimes and charging for healthcare services to those in irregular status or with temporary residency.
Government Spokesperson: Current Immigration Laws are Flawed
Manuel Adorni, the government spokesperson, stated that current immigration legislation “invites chaos” and allows for “abuse by many who are far from coming to the country honestly to build a future.”
Adorni highlighted that the existing laws allow almost anyone, including those with sentences under three years, to enter the country. He criticized the flexible deportation conditions and targeted “immigrants who come to use free public services not available in their home countries.”
Irregular Immigration Over the Past Two Decades
Adorni reported that approximately one million people have entered the country irregularly over the past two decades. He expressed concern that those who broke the law within Argentina’s borders have not been deported, allowing them to “continue living happily in Argentina at the risk of others.”
The new measures will reject any convicted individual attempting to enter the country and deport those guilty of crimes. Adorni emphasized that it is unfair to those who have contributed to Argentina’s well-being, aiming to “continue receiving those who come to build a freer and more prosperous country.”
Addressing Healthcare Tourism
The Argentine presidency stated in a press release that it is unjust for taxpayers to bear the burden of foreigners who travel to the country solely to access resources not theirs. This issue is referred to as “healthcare tourism.”
Adorni noted that eight hospitals in Argentina spent 114,000 million pesos (approximately 90 million euros) last year treating foreigners who received care and then returned to their home countries.
The new law will require temporary, provisional, and irregular residents to pay for healthcare services. It also mandates private medical insurance upon entry. This measure aims to ensure the sustainability of the public health system, according to the presidency.
Education System Reforms
In addition to immigration policy changes, the reforms include adjustments to the public education system. Universities will now have the option to impose additional fees on temporary residents.
Citizenship and Residency Requirements
The government has also updated citizenship and residency requirements. Citizenship will only be granted to those who have continuously resided in Argentina for two years or made a significant investment in the country. Residency will be granted to those who can prove sufficient means of livelihood or a clean criminal record.
Key Questions and Answers
- What changes has the Argentine government implemented in its immigration policy? The government has introduced reforms to strengthen immigration policies, including the expulsion of foreigners with criminal convictions and charging for healthcare services to those in irregular status or with temporary residency.
- Why are these reforms necessary? The government argues that current immigration laws invite chaos and allow for abuse, with almost anyone, including those with short criminal sentences, entering the country. The reforms aim to address these issues and ensure the sustainability of public services.
- What is healthcare tourism? Healthcare tourism refers to foreigners traveling to Argentina solely for medical treatment and then returning to their home countries without contributing to the healthcare system.
- How will the new law affect temporary residents? Temporary, provisional, and irregular residents will now be required to pay for healthcare services, and private medical insurance will be mandatory upon entry.
- What changes have been made to education and citizenship requirements? Universities can now impose additional fees on temporary residents, and citizenship will only be granted to those who have continuously resided in Argentina for two years or made a significant investment. Residency will be granted based on sufficient means of livelihood or a clean criminal record.
