Fighting BDS, Argentine Version: Javier Milei's New "No Entry" Decree
The Argentine government has approved an emergency decree allowing for the revocation of residency and the denial of entry to foreigners acting against the state. The move follows a wave of celebrity criticism after the 2026 World Cup, which President Javier Milei has labeled an organized "anti-Argentina campaign."
Is he taking a page from Israel's playbook? Argentine President Javier Milei signed an emergency decree last night amending the country's immigration law. The measure allows for the denial of entry, revocation of residency, and even the deportation of foreigners who have disseminated hate speech, incited violence against the Argentine people based on their nationality, or desecrated national symbols.
The move, which takes effect at the end of the week, is somewhat similar to the 2017 amendment to the Entry into Israel Law, which allows the state to preemptively deny entry and residency permits to foreigners who call for boycotts or operate within BDS organizations. For instance, in February 2025, French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan was denied entry at Ben Gurion Airport by order of Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, following her public statements and ongoing efforts to promote boycotts against the state.
According to a report in La Nacion, the decree adds new criteria for entry refusal: "hate messages, whether oral or written," incitement to violence on national grounds, and participation in the desecration of state symbols. However, the decree emphasizes that legitimate political, academic, or civil criticism will not be considered grounds for action.
"The defense of the nation, its citizens, and its symbols is non-negotiable. Whoever attacks the Argentine Republic is not welcome in our country," read the official statement from the President's office.
"Argentina is racist": Celebrity attacks after the World Cup
The move comes days after the 2026 World Cup final, in which Argentina lost to Spain. Following events during the tournament, several celebrities launched a sharp attack against Argentina. The most prominent was American actor Samuel L. Jackson, who defined Argentina as "one of the most racist countries in the world" and called on the black community not to support the team. Mia Khalifa, Niall Horan, and Arturo Pérez-Reverte also participated in the wave of criticism.
The Milei administration claims there is an organized "anti-Argentina campaign" involving elements in Brazil, Mexico, and even the US Democratic Party. "25% of the campaign's funding sources come from the Brazilian government," the president stated.
Relations between the two largest South American nations are in a crisis that recently peaked. Last Saturday, Milei attended a Liberal Party conference in Brazil, where he labeled incumbent President Lula da Silva a "thief" and a "convicted criminal." In response, the Brazilian ambassador in Buenos Aires was recalled for consultations, while the Argentine ambassador in Brasilia was summoned for a reprimand.
