Spanish government grants legal status to half a million illegal immigrants

The Spanish government has approved a decision to grant legal status to illegal immigrants living in the country. This is in sharp contrast to the policies pursued by the United States and many European countries.

About half a million people are subject to the order. It will be possible to submit applications electronically from April 16, and in person from April 20. The deadline for submission is June 30. We are talking about people who arrived in Spain before January 1, 2026, have lived in the country for five months and have no criminal record.

“The reason for this decision is both fairness and necessity. Without new workers, without their contribution, prosperity will decline. The fact that the Spanish economy is the fastest growing in Europe is the merit of migrants,” said Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Most migrants are from African and Latin American countries, employed in agriculture, tourism, and services. The Socialist Government notes that they play a beneficial role as the indigenous population ages.