The Spanish government launched a sweeping plan on Tuesday to regularize undocumented immigrants, potentially affecting nearly 500,000 people. This measure, announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, is to be implemented by decree and runs counter to the more restrictive immigration policies seen elsewhere in Europe.
The plan calls for online applications to open on Thursday, followed by in-person applications starting April 20, with the process expected to conclude by the end of June. It is specifically aimed at people already living and working in the country, particularly those from Latin America.
A response to demographic aging
Pedro Sanchez presents this initiative as both an economic and demographic response to an aging population. He asserts that these workers already contribute to the life of the country and that regularizing their status should help support the growth of one of the most dynamic economies in the eurozone.
The measure, supported by significant citizen mobilization, has nonetheless drawn opposition from the right and far right. The government has opted for regulatory implementation, thus bypassing a Parliament where it lacks a majority.
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