The regulatory framework in migratory matters is given by the Migration Law 25,871 (LM), its regulatory decree 616/2010 (Decree), and complementary regulations. The enforcement authority is the National Directorate of Migration (DNM), under the Ministry of Interior (art. 105, LM).
The LM regulates the entry, stay and exit of people to our country, and its objectives are – among others – to guarantee the exercise of the right to family reunification (art. 3 inc. d) and to facilitate the entry of visitors for those purposes of promoting trade, tourism, cultural, scientific, and technological activities and international relations (art. 3 sub. i).
“Immigrant” is understood as any foreigner who wishes to enter, transit, reside or settle definitively, temporarily or transitorily in Argentina (art. 2, LM).
The LM establishes criteria for equal treatment of foreigners, specifically with regard to access to social services, public goods, health, education, justice, work, employment and social security (arts. 4,5,6, LM). Our National Constitution, international treaties and laws also prohibit and sanction any act of discrimination against foreigners.
In practical terms, foreigners are admitted to enter and stay in the country under three categories: (i) permanent residents, (ii) temporary residents, or (iii) transitory residents. There is also a fourth category (precarious residence), which is valid until the corresponding residence procedure is formalized. It is valid for up to 90 calendar days and can be renewed until the resolution of the requested admission.