A new age for immigration in Spain
With the entry into force of a new foreign regulation, Spain is one of the few European Union countries to facilitate the regularization of immigrants, including those with a criminal past. This rule, which seeks to modify the current border closing scenario in most European nations, offers a new path to legality for thousands of immigrants.
More flexible conditions for regularization
The new regulation reduces the necessary registration time to obtain legal documents from three to two years, thus facilitating the integration of immigrants. In addition, the conditions for family regrouping have been significantly softened, with the increase in the maximum age to bring children to the age of 26 and the reduction of the working hours required for a contract.
The controversial change in criminal record
One of the most controversial measures of this new law is the elimination of criminal record as an obstacle to regularization. This decision has generated an intense debate on the relationship between immigration and public security, especially in a context where the perception of crime associated with immigrants is a hot issue.
Catalonia before a new challenge
Catalonia, which already houses a large number of immigrants, is now facing a new challenge with these regulations. The management of immigration skills is a delicate issue, and the new law questions the previous agreements on the control of entry of people in the territory.
Catalan, in the spotlight
The decision not to demand a knowledge of the Catalan language for the citizenry has generated controversy in a community where language protection is a key issue. Despite the efforts of the Catalan government to promote Catalan through the National Pact for the Language, the new Central Government Law contrasts with these initiatives.
Critics and fears of a shouting effect
Sectors of society have expressed concern about the possibility of a ‘calling effect’, fearing that the relaxation of immigration conditions in Spain can attract a larger number of people in irregular situation. This fear is accentuated by the intention of the Pedro Sánchez government to regularize up to 500,000 illegal immigrants in an extraordinary way, a proposal that has found resistance in the past.
A paradigm shift
With this new legislation, Spain is in a path that challenges current European trends, opening a debate on the future of immigration and its management. The law not only affects the lives of immigrants, but also has deep implications for Spanish society as a whole, asking questions on integration, diversity and security.
