Spain’s Socialist Government Fast-Tracks Legal Status for 500,000 Illegal Immigrants

Backed by Spain’s Catholic Church and progressive groups, the plan faces strong opposition from Vox and conservatives.

A dinghy boat drives past a Spanish Salvamento Maritimo (Sea Search and Rescue agency) vessel escorting a “cayuco” boat with 81 migrants, including 3 women and 3 children, at La Restinga port on the Canary Island of El Hierro, on Sept. 9, 2024. Antonio Sempere/AFP via Getty Images

Spain’s socialist-led government has announced plans to grant legal status to about half a million illegal immigrants.

The proposal, presented on Jan. 27, would allow around 500,000 illegal immigrants already living and working in Spain to get legal status through an accelerated process.