The issue of mass legalization of migrants has once again become the focus of attention in Spanish society. The government’s decision on the possible legalization of half a million foreigners without the mandatory provision of an official criminal record certificate has sparked a sharp reaction among representatives of law enforcement agencies. For Spain, where issues of internal security and migration control remain some of the most pressing, such changes could have far-reaching consequences.
Six professional associations of the Guardia Civil, including the largest, the Asociación Unificada de Guardias Civiles (AUGC), have sent an official letter to the Minister of the Interior. The letter calls for the rejection of the proposed mechanism, which would allow migrants who have not received a response from their country of origin within a month to replace a criminal record certificate with a personal statement. According to Guardia Civil representatives, this approach paves the way for the legalization of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, potentially putting the safety of citizens and law enforcement officers at risk.
The letter emphasizes that the new scheme effectively eliminates genuine background checks on applicants. Previously, the absence of a certificate meant automatic refusal, but now only a self-declaration, unsupported by any official data, is sufficient. The associations call this an ‘open door’ for those who might be hiding serious offenses committed outside Spain.
Response from Security Forces
The position of the Guardia Civil reflects growing concern among officers who deal daily with the consequences of migration policies. Association representatives point out that such changes could not only complicate police work but also create additional risks for society. In a context where Spain already faces challenges related to border control and combating organized crime, any relaxation in migrant screening is seen as a threat to stability.
Particular attention is drawn to the fact that the new procedure does not provide for any additional verification mechanisms. If the country of origin does not respond to the request, Spanish authorities are left having to rely solely on the applicant’s honesty. This has raised concerns that individuals involved in serious crimes, who otherwise would not have received residency permits, might enter the country.
Within the Guardia Civil itself, there are calls for stricter control and for maintaining previous screening standards. According to many officers, any relaxation could lead to an increase in crime and undermine public trust in government institutions.
Debates at the European Level
The issue of mass legalization of migrants has not gone unnoticed outside Spain. The European Parliament is preparing to discuss the potential consequences of this initiative for the entire European Union. The EU Commission has already warned that such decisions must be accompanied by a thorough assessment of the risks to security, border management, and the functioning of the Schengen Area.
European officials emphasize that, despite the national nature of migration policy, mass legalizations can impact the situation in other EU countries. Of particular concern is the possibility of so-called ‘secondary movements,’ where legalized migrants may move freely within the Union, complicating control and coordination among member states.
Brussels insists on the need for transparency and accountability in carrying out such campaigns. Otherwise, the European Commission believes that the consequences could be unpredictable, both for Spain and for the whole of Europe.
Internal debates and consequences
A fierce debate is heating up in Spain between supporters and opponents of the new initiative. Some believe that legalization will bring hundreds of thousands of people out of the shadows, improve their situation, and allow the state to manage migration processes more effectively. Others are convinced that the lack of strict checks creates a threat to public safety and could lead to a rise in crime.
Civil Guard associations insist on the need to revise the proposed mechanism. In their view, only maintaining mandatory checks through official channels can guarantee the protection of citizens’ interests and prevent possible negative consequences. Otherwise, they warn, Spain may face new challenges that could prove much more complex than current issues.
The question of whether the government will be willing to make concessions and amend the draft decree remains open. For now, the situation is unfolding amid growing public interest and close scrutiny from European institutions.
Context and similar cases
In recent years, Spain has already experienced waves of migrant legalization, each of which sparked heated debates within society and among politicians. For example, in the early 2000s, a mass amnesty led to a significant increase in the number of legalized foreigners, which brought both economic benefits and heightened security concerns. In other EU countries, similar campaigns also triggered mixed reactions: in France and Italy, such measures resulted in stricter border controls and revisions of migration policies. In recent years, the issues of legalization and integration of migrants have remained among the most discussed topics in European politics, with each new decision in this area inevitably becoming the focus of intense attention and lively debate.
