Argentinian Officials Returned Home After Canceled Visa Ceremony, Reportedly Due to Communication Breakdown
WASHINGTON D.C. – Argentinian officials where forced to return home from the United States after a planned visa waiver ceremony was canceled without their knowledge, according to a report by Axios. The incident stems from a disagreement between Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the State Department regarding Argentina‘s eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and a subsequent failure to properly communicate the cancellation.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the Biden management over the VWP and Argentina’s inclusion in the program. In July, Secretary of State Antony Blinken
According to Axios, the canceled ceremony involved Argentinian officials traveling to the U.S. in anticipation of formally signing the agreement. The cancellation was reportedly not communicated to the Argentinian delegation, leading to their unexpected return home.
the State Department has expressed reservations about adding Argentina to the VWP due to ongoing corruption allegations surrounding President Javier Milei’s sister and close associates, who have been accused of profiting from a bribery scheme. Milei has denied thes accusations.
Following the incident, Senator Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles issued a memo reminding administration officials to obtain National Security Council clearance before engaging in calls, meetings, or trips related to foreign policy.
A department of homeland Security official denied the existence of a pending agreement requiring a signature, stating, “We look forward to working with them going forward.”
