Story perspectives

Spain to Legalize 500,000 Undocumented Migrants Amid Controversy

2/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Spain's government plans to regularize 500,000 undocumented migrants to boost economic growth and social cohesion.
Migration Minister Elma Saiz said those who arrived before December 31, 2025, and meet criteria will receive legal residency and work permits.
Opposition leaders Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Santiago Abascal criticized the move as rewarding illegality.
Advocates argue that regularization would improve workers' rights and contribute to the economy.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), signed by President Ronald Reagan on November 6, 1986, legalized approximately 2.7 million undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. before January 1, 1982. While it aimed to address labor shortages and improve economic conditions, the act did not significantly reduce illegal immigration, which surged to nearly 11 million by 2013, highlighting ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration policy.

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Story summary

Spain's government plans to regularize 500,000 undocumented migrants to boost economic growth and social cohesion.
Migration Minister Elma Saiz said those who arrived before December 31, 2025, and meet criteria will receive legal residency and work permits.
Opposition leaders Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Santiago Abascal criticized the move as rewarding illegality.
Advocates argue that regularization would improve workers' rights and contribute to the economy.

1 / 2