Latest news with #Argentines
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘ICE Barbie' Kristie Noem dons favorite cowboy gear as she visits Argentina to work on new visa deal
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took the opportunity to play dress-up again as she visited Argentina to sign a new visa-free travel agreement. Speaking to reporters alongside Argentinian officials at the Campo De Mayo military base, Noem sat astride a horse clad in a cowboy hat and belt, plus blue jeans and a black western-style jacket. She promised to "expedite" the easing of visa rules for citizens of the South American country, whose budget-slashing libertarian President Javier Milei is a major ally of President Donald Trump. It is the latest in a long series of sartorial stunts for the former South Dakota governor, who at various times has dressed as a plumber, a welder, a builder, a highway cop, a Border Patrol agent, a firefighter, a coast guard officer, and an ICE agent in tactical gear. The Old West appears to be a favorite touchstone, with Noem once asking her Instagram followers to vote on the best painting of her as a cowgirl even while Texas struggled with devastating floods. In March, she posed in heavy make-up in front of caged prisoners at El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison, where Venezuelan immigrants sent there by the Trump administration say they were tortured, beaten, and raped. The photo ops, and her status as the face of the Trump administration's immigration policy, have led some critics to mockingly dub Noem "ICE Barbie" or "Homeland Barbie" — with even city officials in flood-hit Texas reportedly adopting the term. "Under President Javier Milei's leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States — more committed than ever to border security for both of our nations," Noem said in a statement on Monday. "Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America, and 25 percent more Argentines traveled to the U.S. in the first four months of this year compared to last year. "That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program,' she said. Monday's agreement is simply a statement of intent and actually realizing visa-free travel to the U.S. or Argentinian nationals could take years yet. A post on Noem's Instagram and X feeds for National Cowboy Day on Saturday, showing her riding with horse-mounted border agents, attracted many supportive, even fawning responses. Other commenters were less impressed. "Wasting taxpayers money again on a photo op?" said one Instagram user. "Any excuse to put on a costume. What a joke," posted another. One user on X inquired about her wardrobe budget, while another branded her "all hat and no cattle". Visa waivers allow citizens of friendly jurisdictions such as the U.K. and the European Union to visit the U.S. for leisure purposes for up to 90 days, without needing to apply for a visa first. Argentina joined the program in 1996, but was removed in 2002 due to fears that an ongoing economic crisis would drive more Argentinians to try to work in the U.S. illegally. The country has its own storied tradition of cowboys, known as gauchos, though they traditionally dress rather differently to their American counterparts, in patterned wool ponchos and voluminous trousers.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Argentina returns to America's visa waiver program, netizens celebrate
Image credits: X/@Sec_Noem Argentina seems to be going up and up in America's list of allies in recent years. The second-largest country in South America has been working with the Trump administration in ways that are not only beneficial for it but also for the US. Recently, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took to X to share how Argentina had returned to America's visa waiver program. She shared how the country now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America, and 25% more Argentines have travelled to the United States in the first four months of 2025 as compared to 2024, marking the biggest jump in any top 20 international arrivals. Noem appreciated Argentinian President Javier Milei's leadership, adding how Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States. "That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program. I was pleased to sign a statement of intent alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich, which highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats." What is the US Visa Waiver Program ? Image credits: X/@Sec_Noem The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for 90 days or more without requiring a visa. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Arabian Sea Facing Apartments - Mahalaxmi, South Mumbai Lodha Bellevue Click Here Undo All travellers need is a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval and must meet the necessary requirements. Argentina was previously a part of the program from 1996 to 2000. Though the country has been reinstated now, it could take years to meet the program's security and immigration requirements. Alberto Fohrig, director of international co-operation at Argentina's Security Ministry, said on Radio Mitre that if the country's entry in the program was successful, it would allow 1.2 million Argentines who travel to the United States each year to enter without a visa for 90 days for both tourism and business. People on the internet are already welcoming and applauding Argentina's entry back into the visa waiver program, with positive comments. Netizens react to Argentina's return to the Visa Waiver Program Image credits: Getty Images Netizens have been commenting positive reactions and welcoming messages to the Argentinians and appreciating President Milei's leadership. "interesting connections... are they ready for what's coming? That's what happens when you put america first... everyone benefits!," wrote one appreciating Argentina's work on improving relations with the US. "Milei is a great smart leader and I respect and trust in secy Noem. No one has impressed me more. Thank you Kristy Noem!" added another. "Argentine President @JMilei paved the way and provided a sound blueprint for how a government should be run. 💪🏽," applauded another. Many pointed out Argentina's steady development over the years, "Argentina is on the way back to prosperity," and "Travel soaring and barriers lowering—momentum looks strong 🇦🇷✈️"
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Trump moves to lift visa restrictions for Argentina in a boost t his right-wing ally
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The United States and Argentina on Monday announced that they are working on a plan to allow Argentine tourists to again travel to the U.S. without a visa. It probably will take two to three years before visa-free travel becomes a reality for Argentine passport holders, but the Trump administration's move to kickstart the process marked a show of support for President Javier Milei, its staunchest ally in South America and a darling of conservatives around the world. The gesture coincided with a visit by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, for closed-door meetings with Milei and his officials. Noem signed the statement of intent alongside Security Minister Patricia Bullrich in Milei's office. Noem, on horseback at the country's sprawling Campo De Mayo army base and donning a cowboy hat and jeans, told reporters that the Trump administration would put Argentina on an 'expedited path' to enrollment in the Visa Waiver Program. Still, she cautioned that securing approval within the next year 'would be very difficult,' according to a White House pool report. The Department of Homeland Security praised Milei for reshaping Argentina's foreign policy in line with that of the U.S. 'Under President Javier Milei's leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States — more committed than ever to border security for both of our nations,' the statement said. This first step toward waiving visa requirements for Argentines, it added, 'highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats.' The department cited Argentina as having the lowest visa overstay rate in the U.S. of any Latin American country. The removal of rigorous U.S. visa requirements — particularly at a time when President Trump is tightening restrictions for foreign nationals — would offer a symbolic victory to Milei, a self-described 'anarcho-capitalist' who rose to power as a far-right outsider mimicking Trump's war-on-woke rhetoric and skillful use of social media. When he became the first world leader to visit Trump after the U.S. election, Milei pranced around Mar-a-Lago like an excited school boy. At the Conservative Political Action Committee convention in Washington in February, he gifted billionaire Elon Musk a bureaucracy-slashing chainsaw to support his DOGE campaign to eliminate government waste. When not riding the far-right, pro-Trump speaking circuit, Milei is focused on straightening out South America's second-largest economy after years of turmoil under left-wing populist rule. Through tough budget cuts and mass layoffs, Milei has succeeded in driving down Argentina's notorious double-digit inflation. The last time Argentines didn't require a visa to enter the U.S. was in the 1990s under another free-market devotee, the late former President Carlos Menem. Menem's neo-liberal reforms and pegging of the peso 1 to 1 to the U.S. dollar destroyed Argentina's industry, exacerbating poverty in what a century ago was one of the world's wealthiest countries. In the crisis that followed, the U.S. reimposed visa restrictions in 2002 as young Argentines seeking to flee misery lined up at European embassies and began to migrate illegally to the U.S. 'Argentina has had the advantage of the program before, and they're looking to get back on track and reenrolled,' Noem, who grew up on a farm in rural South Dakota, said while feeding sugar cubes to a dark brown horse named Abundance, according to the pool report. When pressed about her talks with Milei, she was short on specifics, saying they discussed security partnerships and 'the business we could be doing together.' She said she appreciated Milei's 'embrace' of Trump's policies. The Argentine presidency described Monday's preliminary agreement as 'a clear demonstration of the excellent relationship, based on trust' between Milei and Trump. After riding Abundance through the grassy fields of the army base, Noem rejoined U.S. and Argentine officials for asado — the traditional meat-centric barbecue and a national passion. She is the third member of Trump's Cabinet to meet Milei in Buenos Aires this year, after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. More than 40 mostly European and wealthy Asian countries belong to the exclusive club that allows their citizens to travel to the U.S. without a visa for up to three months. However, border officers have the power to turn anyone away. About 20 million tourists use the program each year. Currently, Chile is the only Latin American country in the program. Overseas travel to the U.S. plunged in the early days of Trump's return to the White House as tourists, especially from Latin America, feared being caught in the administration's border crackdown. Some canceled travel plans to protest his foreign policy and anti-immigrant rhetoric. But those numbers began to rebound in April, with more than 3 million international arrivals — 8% more than a year earlier — from countries other than Mexico or Canada, according to the International Trade Administration, an agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce. In addition to clamping down on the southern border, Trump has put up additional obstacles for students, tourists and others looking to travel to the U.S. His recently passed 'big, beautiful' bill of domestic priorities calls for the enactment of a new 'visa integrity fee' of $250 to be charged in addition to the cost of the visa itself. Travel industry executives have expressed concern that the charge could drive away tourists who contribute more than $2 trillion annually and 9 million jobs to the U.S. economy, according to the International Trade Administration. About a quarter of all travelers to the U.S. come from Latin America and the Caribbean, the agency says. Arrivals from Argentina have jumped 25% this year — a bigger increase than from any other country. Debre and Goodman write for the Associated Press. Goodman reported from Medellin, Colombia.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
U.S. signs agreement to help Argentina re-enter Visa Waiver Program
July 28 (UPI) -- The Trump administration finalized a plan Monday that will help Argentina reinstate visa-free travel for its citizens. Argentina's re-entry to the Visa Waiver Program, which is expected to take up to three years before Argentine passport holders can travel without a visa to the United States, was announced Monday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following meetings in Buenos Aires. "Under President Javier Milei's leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States -- more committed than ever to border security for both of our nations," said Noem. "Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America and 25% more Argentines traveled to the United States in the first four months of this year compared to last year -- the biggest jump of any of the top international arrivals," she added. "That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program." While Argentina was removed from the Visa Waiver Program in 2002, Monday's intent to reinstate the country shows a growing support between the two nations and between President Donald Trump and Milei. The Argentine government called Monday's signing a "clear demonstration of the excellent relationship" between President Milei and Trump. Last week, a report from J.P. Morgan found a "deep and surprising" recovery in Argentina's economy under Milei, as the country's president has managed to lower inflation, secure fiscal balance and strengthen foreign reserves. Noem signed the agreement along with Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein and Argentine Minister of National Security Patricia Bullrich. "This statement of intent I signed alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats," Noem said. "This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries." The Visa Waiver Program requires Argentina meet strong security requirements before final reinstatement, including revised travel policies, enhanced border security and data sharing. The U.S. Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from certain counties to travel to the United States for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without needing a visa. More than 40 countries, including in Europe and Asia, are already part of the program. Argentina's inclusion could benefit the country, politically and economically, and raise its global standing. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
UPI
2 days ago
- Business
- UPI
U.S. signs agreement to help Argentina re-enter Visa Waiver Program
1 of 2 | DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the agreement, giving Argentina re-entry into the Visa Waiver Program, "highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats." File Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI | License Photo July 28 (UPI) -- The Trump administration finalized a plan Monday that will help Argentina reinstate visa-free travel for its citizens. Argentina's re-entry to the Visa Waiver Program, which is expected to take up to three years before Argentine passport holders can travel without a visa to the United States, was announced Monday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following meetings in Buenos Aires. "Under President Javier Milei's leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States -- more committed than ever to border security for both of our nations," said Noem. "Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America and 25% more Argentines traveled to the United States in the first four months of this year compared to last year -- the biggest jump of any of the top international arrivals," she added. "That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program." While Argentina was removed from the Visa Waiver Program in 2002, Monday's intent to reinstate the country shows a growing support between the two nations and between President Donald Trump and Milei. The Argentine government called Monday's signing a "clear demonstration of the excellent relationship" between President Milei and Trump. Last week, a report from J.P. Morgan found a "deep and surprising" recovery in Argentina's economy under Milei, as the country's president has managed to lower inflation, secure fiscal balance and strengthen foreign reserves. Noem signed the agreement along with Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein and Argentine Minister of National Security Patricia Bullrich. "This statement of intent I signed alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats," Noem said. "This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries." The Visa Waiver Program requires Argentina meet strong security requirements before final reinstatement, including revised travel policies, enhanced border security and data sharing. The U.S. Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from certain counties to travel to the United States for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without needing a visa. More than 40 countries, including in Europe and Asia, are already part of the program. Argentina's inclusion could benefit the country, politically and economically, and raise its global standing.
