Argentine President Javier Milei has signed an emergency decree empowering authorities to deny entry to, deport or revoke the visas of foreigners accused of spreading "hate" against Argentina or desecrating the country's national symbols.
The measure was announced on Thursday as the government linked it to what it described as growing hostility toward Argentina following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Legal experts have already questioned the decree's legality, while the government maintains it is intended to protect the nation, its citizens and its symbols from targeted hostility.
The decree follows weeks of criticism directed at Argentina after the national team finished as runner-up to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19.
Debate intensified over controversial refereeing decisions, allegations of racism involving Argentine players and supporters, and a post-match brawl involving players and staff from both Argentina and Spain.
FIFA has since opened disciplinary proceedings over the on-field confrontation, alleged discriminatory chants and gestures, fan misconduct and claims of unsporting behaviour involving Argentine players, a coach and one Spanish player.
The governing body is also investigating a banner displayed by Argentine players asserting the country's claim to the British-controlled Falkland Islands after the semifinal victory over England.
The backlash extended beyond football, with criticism on social media and online petitions calling for Argentina's removal from the tournament drawing widespread attention.
According to the decree, authorities may take action against foreigners found to have promoted hatred against Argentines through spoken or written statements or by desecrating national symbols.
The government stated, "Anyone who attacks the Argentine Republic is not welcome in our country."
The decree also specifies that ideological disagreement and political, academic or civic criticism protected under Argentina's Constitution are exempt.
However, it does not define how officials will distinguish prohibited hate from protected expression or whether immigration authorities will examine the social media activity of visitors and foreign residents.
Milei has described the criticism as an "anti-Argentina campaign" and alleged, without providing evidence, that left-wing governments in Brazil and Mexico and the U.S. Democratic Party financed efforts to discredit his administration.
Those accusations prompted Brazil to recall its ambassador to Argentina, further escalating diplomatic tensions.