Spain Grants Legal Status to 500,000 Unauthorized Immigrants

Spain’s Council of Ministers approved a royal decree granting legal status to over 500,000 unauthorized immigrants. The decree allows those who can prove residency for five months before January 2026 to apply for legal status. This significant policy shift positions Spain’s government against opposition from the center-right People's Party and far-right Vox group, both of which oppose the legislation and vow legal challenges.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the economic necessity of integrating newcomers to counteract demographic decline, arguing that immigrant contributions are critical for the country’s social security and innovation. However, opposition parties criticize the move, asserting it may exacerbate migration issues within the broader European Union context. The political implications of this decree suggest a growing tension between national policy decisions and EU standards on immigration.