The issue of migrant legalization in Spain has unexpectedly come to the forefront, impacting not only the lives of hundreds of thousands but also sparking heated debates across society. For many Spaniards, this decision represents more than just a legislative change—it marks a real shift in the country’s social and economic landscape. For the first time in many years, authorities have recognized the need to give a chance to those who have lived in the shadows for years, working without guarantees or rights, and who can now hope for legal status.
The scale of the approved legalization is striking: we are talking about hundreds of thousands of people who, until now, have been forced to live on the fringes of society. For them, this is more than a formality—it’s an opportunity to finally step out of the shadows, gain access to healthcare, education, and official employment. However, not everyone in Spain is ready to accept these changes unconditionally. The government’s decision has sparked a wave of public debate, where arguments about social justice clash with concerns over potential consequences for the labor market and the social security system.
The Face of Change
One of the symbols of this campaign was Augustin Ndour—the first Black candidate in Spain’s history to run for head of government. His story traces a journey from street vending and odd jobs to active advocacy for migrants’ rights. Ndour repeatedly emphasized that the success of legalization was the result of the efforts of thousands of people, not the achievement of a single organization or politician. He avoids personalizing the victory, insisting, “Everyone contributed, but it was those who lived for years without documents who truly won.”
For Ndour himself, this issue is far from abstract. He went through every stage of life without legal status: the fear of the police, the inability to move freely, the constant threat of deportation. According to him, only legal integration opens the way to economic and social adaptation. Without documents, it is impossible to secure a proper job or gain access to basic rights. That’s why he felt he couldn’t stay on the sidelines when he had the chance to change the situation for others.
A long road
The campaign for legalization was no spontaneous movement. Behind it stood years of painstaking work, thousands of volunteers, and hundreds of organizations. The key instrument was the Legislative Initiative Proposal (ILP), which gathered more than 700,000 signatures nationwide. People took to the streets, visited beaches and markets, persuading fellow citizens to support change. As a result, the document was considered by parliament, marking a real breakthrough for civil society.
However, the road to a final decision proved to be challenging. After the ILP was approved in Congress, the process stalled due to political disagreements and bureaucratic delays. According to Ndour, the hold-ups were less about the substance of the initiative and more about political games and attempts to use migration as a bargaining chip. Ultimately, the government decided to approve legalization through a special decree, bypassing protracted debates.
Social Conflict
The response to legalization was mixed. On the one hand, many welcomed this step toward social justice, noting that newly legalized migrants would begin paying taxes and contribute to the economy. On the other hand, there was criticism, especially from right-wing parties and parts of society concerned about increased competition in the job market and pressure on social services. Ndour points out that such measures have been taken before, under different governments, and are not about ideology—they are a matter of common sense.
The voices that resonate most strongly are those who have experienced life without documents firsthand. For them, legalization is not just an opportunity to work legally, but a chance for a normal life: the ability to travel, reunite with family, and live without fear of unexpected encounters with the police. Many still recall how they were unable to attend the funerals of loved ones or be present at family celebrations due to the lack of documents. For them, the news of legalization felt like a true celebration, even though there are still many bureaucratic hurdles ahead.
The dark side
Not all aspects of legalization are visible. One of the most painful issues remains the exploitation of migrants on agricultural plantations, especially in Almería. Ndur recalls his experience working in greenhouses as one of the toughest periods of his life. He says that most undocumented workers face harsh exploitation, low wages, and a lack of basic rights. According to activists, legalization could be a step toward improving working conditions and combating the shadow economy.
At the same time, the legalization process requires significant preparation by government agencies. There are already concerns that the administration may not cope with the influx of applications, leading to prolonged document processing times. Previous campaigns have shown that without additional funding and personnel, the system can become overloaded. Nevertheless, expectations among migrants and their families remain high — for many, this is the only chance to start a new life.
Awaiting change
The announcement of legalization took even the activists by surprise. Many learned of the government’s decision from the news, and now the main task is to ensure the process is as transparent and efficient as possible. Months of preparation lie ahead, and no one can predict how quickly all the necessary documents will be processed. But for thousands, this is no longer just a bureaucratic procedure, but a long-awaited opportunity to regain dignity and confidence in the future.
Spain will continue to discuss the consequences of this decision for a long time. One thing is clear: the mass legalization of migrants has become not just a legal act, but a symbol of change that will affect all areas of the country’s life.
