Argentina orders expulsion of foreigners over 'hate' speech

Argentine President Javier Milei has enacted an emergency decree barring or expelling foreigners who express "hate" toward the Latin American country, which he claims is facing a hostile campaign. The decree, already in force, requires parliamentary approval to become law.

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spread or incited hate messages

The measure targets foreigners deemed to have "spread or incited hate messages" against Argentina or its people. Milei stated the decree responds to "recent displays of hostility against the Argentine republic and Argentines," appearing to reference public reactions to Argentina's World Cup final loss. He also claimed leftist administrations are leading an "anti-Argentine campaign."

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recent displays of hostility against the Argentine republic and Argentines.

However, the decree has drawn immediate criticism. Leonel Chiarella, president of the Radical Civic Union party, called the decree "unconstitutional" and urged Congress to reject it. Opposition lawmaker Agustin Rossi likened the measure to "the anti-immigration logic of (US President Donald) Trump."

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the president’s decree is unconstitutional

International law specialist Lucia Galoppo noted the decree leaves "too many grey areas," questioning the definition and identification criteria for "hate speech." Sociologist Ivan Schuliaquer highlighted that the measure runs counter to Argentina's long history of immigration and its lenient constitutional stance on the matter, stating, "Argentine history is very rich in the sense of being a country that has historically received immigrants from everywhere."

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mimics the anti-immigration logic of (US President Donald) Trump.