Spain Begins Steps to Grant Amnesty to Undocumented Immigrants

Spain Approves Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants

On Tuesday, Spain’s Council of Ministers approved a royal decree that initiates a significant amnesty program for illegal immigrants, a proposal put forth by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez earlier this year.

While Sánchez was occupied with diplomatic relations in Beijing, back in Madrid, the government was making strides to legalize the status of many undocumented immigrants.

Following the Council’s decision, the guidelines for the amnesty will be made public on Wednesday, with the application process set to start on Thursday, as reported by a local newspaper.

The government estimates that about 500,000 illegal immigrants will be eligible for this legal status. Yet, there are indications that the number could exceed 1 million under the new scheme.

Critics voice concerns that this could encourage further illegal immigration, especially if additional amnesties are granted in the future. There’s also apprehension that immigrants in other EU countries may seek a Spanish residence permit to gain access to the Schengen area.

Under the new program, eligible individuals will first receive a one-year residence permit and may apply for standard visas afterward. They will gain the right to work in various sectors, along with full rights, social security numbers, and access to Spain’s healthcare system.

To qualify, immigrants need to have been in Spain since at least last year, must show physical presence for five consecutive months at the time of application, and should not have a criminal record.

Interestingly, even though Sánchez was abroad when this law was enacted, he framed the amnesty as a unifying initiative during divisive times.

He stated that many illegal immigrants had already become “an integral part of our daily life,” mentioning those who care for the elderly, provide food, innovate, and contribute to society through their children and businesses.

Sánchez also emphasized that this measure was necessary for economic reasons, highlighting Spain’s aging population’s need for immigrant contributions to sustain various social programs. This assertion comes despite increasing evidence across Europe suggesting that large immigrant populations can create more challenges than benefits.

On the opposite side, Alberto Nuñez Feijó, leader of the center-right People’s Party, expressed his dismay, arguing that the law might incentivize lawbreaking, ultimately harming both legal residents and the broader society.

In response to these developments, Santiago Abascal, head of the anti-mass immigration VOX party, criticized Sánchez’s stance, stating that the Spanish public had not consented to this action, and if illegal immigrants are part of daily life, it’s due to governments violating laws and public interest.