Argentina’s President Javier Milei has issued an executive decree to limit the influx of immigrants into South American countries, mirroring the policies his close ally, President Donald Trump, put in place in the United States.

According to CNN, the decree signed by Mr Milei on Wednesday will make it easier for the government to deport migrants who enter the country illegally, falsify their immigration documents or commit minor crimes in Argentina. 

The move is a significant shift from long-standing policy where authorities can only deport or deny entry to a foreigner with a conviction of more than three years amid an anti-immigration campaign being championed from Washington, with many countries now following in the same direction.

Mr Milei’s decree also put more restrictions on citizenship, requiring applicants to spend two uninterrupted years in Argentina or make a significant financial investment in the country to secure an Argentine passport.

Furthermore, individuals seeking to secure permanent residency in the country must also show proof of sufficient income and clean criminal records in their home country before such applications can be granted.

“For some time now, we’ve had regulations that invite chaos and abuse by many opportunists who are far from coming to this country in an honest way,” Manuel Adorn, the presidential spokesperson, told reporters shortly after the decree. “This measure aims to guarantee the sustainability of the public health system, so that it ceases to be a profit centre financed by our citizens.”

Mr Adorni added, “Time to honour our history and make Argentina great again.”