Story perspectives

Spain to Legalize Up to 800,000 Undocumented Immigrants

1/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Spain's government will grant legal status to undocumented immigrants through an expedited decree, potentially benefiting 500,000 to 800,000 people.
Elma Saiz, Spain's Migration Minister, said eligible individuals must have lived in Spain for at least five months, have no criminal record, and are primarily from Latin America and Africa.
Applications will be accepted from April to June, while migrant rights groups praise the move and Vox plans to challenge the decree in court.

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Story summary

Spain's government will grant legal status to undocumented immigrants through an expedited decree, potentially benefiting 500,000 to 800,000 people.
Elma Saiz, Spain's Migration Minister, said eligible individuals must have lived in Spain for at least five months, have no criminal record, and are primarily from Latin America and Africa.
Applications will be accepted from April to June, while migrant rights groups praise the move and Vox plans to challenge the decree in court.