Junts has reignited Spain’s debate over immigration control by formally presenting a bill in Congress to transfer immigration powers to Catalonia. Led by Carles Puigdemont, the party is pressing for urgent action, arguing that the current system no longer meets the region’s needs. The push comes as the Spanish government grapples with a humanitarian emergency in Ceuta. The arrival of around 80,000 people on July 30 overwhelmed the city, prompting Madrid to declare a special security situation and assume direct control.
The new proposal revises the preamble of a previous bill rejected last year, mainly over concerns raised by Podemos, which labeled the original text “racist.” The earlier version was also voted down by PP, Vox, UPN, and some Sumar deputies. After the government and Podemos later agreed on the extraordinary regularization of migrants, Junts concluded that the revised text addresses earlier objections and expects less resistance this time.
Junts says the extraordinary regularization process, which received 1,174,978 applications, exceeded all expectations and exposed the limits of the current system. The party insists Catalonia must have the authority to manage its own immigration policy, including border control and expulsion orders, while promoting Catalan as a language of social cohesion. Junts says these measures would bring the region in line with practices elsewhere in Europe and better serve local interests.
The party’s rhetoric has grown notably tougher as Aliança Catalana has gained ground in opinion polls. Recent data from the Centre d’Estudis d’Opinió (CEO) suggests that nearly 30% of seats in the Catalan Parliament could go to far-right parties such as Aliança Catalana or Vox if elections were held now. The same study indicates Aliança Catalana could overtake Junts per Catalunya, pushing it to fourth place and halving its representation. That shift has prompted Junts to sharpen its stance, presenting itself as the only Catalan party offering concrete solutions to migration challenges.
During a recent session in Congress, the Junts spokesperson highlighted the party’s opposition to national migration policies, including the redistribution of unaccompanied minors from the Canary Islands. She argued that Catalonia’s capacity to receive newcomers is not unlimited and criticized the government over what she called a unilateral and excessive regularization process. Junts also says the Spanish government is moving in the opposite direction from the rest of Europe, where border controls are tightening and return policies are becoming more effective.
The focus on immigration is deliberate. Studies from the Institut de Ciències Polítiques i Socials (ICPS) show that immigration matters more to Aliança Catalana voters than independence. This helps explain why Junts continues to prioritize transferring immigration powers to Catalonia, viewing it as both a political necessity and a response to voter concerns.
Junts has not yet held talks with Podemos but is confident that changes to the bill’s preamble will remove previous obstacles. References in the original text to immigration’s risks to social cohesion and its links to crime were among the basic points of contention. Junts hopes the revised language will secure broader backing.
The debate over immigration policy in Spain extends beyond Catalonia. Other regions, including Ceuta, have also faced intense pressure and political scrutiny. The Partido Popular, for example, has called for round-the-clock immigration shifts in Ceuta to accelerate returns, underscoring the issue’s national scope. The ongoing tension is reflected in recent reports on calls for nonstop deportation efforts in Ceuta.
Spain’s approach to migration remains contentious and is still developing. Junts’ push for regional control raises deeper questions about the balance of power between Madrid and the autonomous communities, alongside the effects of shifting political forces. The outcome could have impressive implications for Catalonia and the country as a whole.
Spain’s immigration policy is shaped by national and European frameworks. The central government retains primary authority, while regions such as Catalonia have long sought greater autonomy over migration flows, citing language and culture as well as social factors. The debate highlights the challenge of balancing humanitarian obligations with security concerns, while accounting for regional interests in a rapidly changing political environment. Junts’ latest initiative will be closely watched because it could set a precedent for future negotiations over regional powers and migration management in Spain.
