Spain's Migration Dynamics: History, Impact, and Policy

Spain's Migration Story: A Historical Overview

Since 1975, Spaniards, including young and old, skilled and unskilled workers, have traveled for various reasons, not necessarily from rural areas to cities. Currently, residents of Spanish autonomous communities move as tourists or for second homes, among other reasons.

Emigration from Spain: Historical Waves

Spain's history is marked by significant emigration patterns:

• Pre-1853: Bourbon political populism somewhat reduced emigration to America.
• 1853-1914: A significant shift occurred, leading to an increase in transoceanic emigration.
• 1914-1945: Transoceanic migration declined due to the paralysis caused by the World Wars.
• 1945-1960: Transoceanic migration recovered, largely thanks to the Franco regime's opening to the world.
• Post-1960: Transoceanic migration declined again due to the onset of the Latin American economic downturn and competition from emigration to Europe.

European Migration: Distinct Stages

Migration to Europe unfolded in three distinct stages:

• Until Mid-20th Century: A small, seasonal migration primarily from the Levantine countryside to France.
• 1950-1973: This period saw the highest emigration to Europe, driven by high Spanish population growth and attractive European wages, among other factors.
• Post-1973: Permanent migration to Europe declined. Currently, temporary emigration is observed.

Immigration to Spain: Causes and Demographics

Spain has become a destination for diverse populations. Within the foreign population, we differentiate between:

• Nationalized citizens
• Legal residents (with residence permits)
• Undocumented individuals

The causes for arrival are numerous:

• Political asylum
• Improved living conditions
• The "call effect" that led to regularization adjustments in 2002 and 2005
• Deep historical and cultural relationships with leading immigrant groups

Impact of Immigration on Spain

Economic and Demographic Benefits

Immigrants have decisively contributed to:

• Population growth in Spain
• An increase in birth rates
• An increase in Spain's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
• A reduction in spending on pensions

Challenges and Social Concerns

However, negative consequences include:

• Potential loss of competitiveness
• Racism
• Difficulties of integration, among others

Key Pillars of Spanish Immigration Policy

The main measures of Spanish immigration policy are:

• Working with source countries to control migration flows.
• The management of migration flows, selecting the type of migrants that Spain needs.
• The promotion of immigrant integration.
• The fight against irregular immigration.