Spain is facing a sharp political conflict over government plans for a large-scale migrant legalization. The decision affects hundreds of thousands of people and could change the balance of power in upcoming elections. For the first time in decades, authorities are ready to grant legal status to 850,000 foreigners, sparking heated debate among politicians and experts.
Accusations and concerns
Opposition People’s Party (Partido Popular) leaders Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Madrid President Isabel Díaz Ayuso delivered strong criticism of the initiative. They argue that Pedro Sánchez’s government is acting not out of humanitarian considerations, but for political gain. According to them, the legalization will lead to a sharp increase in the number of voters by 2027, with a million more people eligible than in 2023.
Feijóo stated that this is not about helping those in need, but an attempt to artificially expand the electorate. He stressed that Spain should welcome those ready to work and integrate, but not those who do not meet these criteria or have legal issues. Ayuso, for her part, expressed concern that such a sweeping legalization, implemented without considering the consequences, would burden social services, healthcare, and housing.
New regulations
Unlike previous programs, the current legalization does not require an employment contract. It is enough to have lived in the country for five years and either provide a criminal record certificate or sign a corresponding declaration. This makes the procedure the most far-reaching in the history of Spanish democracy. According to analysts, such a move could set a precedent for other European countries, where the number of undocumented migrants is also increasing.
The government claims the initiative is supported by employers, trade unions, and even the church. Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz is confident that legalization will allow migrants to defend their rights and no longer fear retaliation for reporting violations. However, the opposition insists that the consequences for the labor market and the social sphere may prove to be unpredictable.
Impact on elections
There is particular concern over the prospect of new citizens participating in elections. Under current law, newly legalized migrants cannot vote immediately, but legal status allows them to begin the residency period needed for citizenship. For those from Latin America and former colonies, two years are sufficient; for other countries, it is ten years. This means that by the next municipal and regional elections, the number of new voters could increase significantly.
Since 2019, nearly 1.4 million foreigners have obtained Spanish citizenship, with a significant number coming from Morocco, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. Additionally, thanks to the Democratic Memory Law, hundreds of thousands more Latin Americans have applied for citizenship as descendants of political exiles. Already, 240,000 people have received passports under this scheme.
Reaction and consequences
Society and politics have been embroiled in debates over the motives and consequences of legalization. Some view this move as an attempt to alter the country’s demographic structure, while others see it as a necessary step to protect the rights of people who have long lived and worked in Spain. The involvement of well-known foreign figures, such as Elon Musk, only fueled the controversy: he sharply criticized legalization advocates, and the Prime Minister responded with irony.
At the same time, supporters of the reform insist that effective measures against shadow employment and exploitation are impossible without legalization. In their view, new citizens will strengthen the economy rather than become a burden on the budget. However, opponents point to risks for the labor market and social infrastructure, as well as the possibility of manipulation with voter lists.
Context and comparisons
Spain has conducted mass legalizations of migrants before, but such a large-scale initiative is the first in the past 40 years. In 2005, the country experienced a legalization wave, though a valid employment contract was then mandatory. Since that time, the number of undocumented migrants has increased eightfold, making their legal status one of the most pressing issues for society and politicians.
Similar developments in other European countries have sparked equally heated debates. In Italy and France, attempts at mass legalization also faced accusations of political manipulation and concerns over the future of the labor market. In Spain, however, the issue has become especially acute against the backdrop of upcoming elections and demographic shifts. In the coming years, migration and citizenship are likely to remain at the forefront of public debate.
