The regularization process for illegal immigrants promoted by the socialist Government of Pedro Sánchez in Spain has reached figures that double the initial forecasts, exceeding 900,000 applications.
Since its launch in April, nearly one million illegal immigrants, mostly from African countries, have submitted requests for regularization, far surpassing any previous record in Spain.
According to official data, 360,000 files have been processed so far. However, the total volume of applications continues to rise, and it is expected that the number will experience a new surge in the remaining two weeks until the deadline, set for June 30.
Illegal immigrants on the coasts of Spain
The accelerated growth in the number of applications not only marks a historic record but also leaves behind the previous mass regularization process carried out in 2005.
At that time, 691,655 applications were recorded, of which 576,506 permits were ultimately granted, figures that have already been widely surpassed by the current scheme.
Criticism of the mass regularization
In parallel, the scope of the regularization has generated strong criticism from various political and social sectors. One of the main concerns points to the potential international impact of the measure.
Legalizing nearly one million people sends the wrong message abroad and could encourage new waves of irregular immigration, as well as incentivize human trafficking networks.
Pedro Sánchez
Furthermore, while the regulations require the submission of a criminal record certificate, the opposition questions the Spanish State's ability to rigorously verify actual histories, considering the massive volume of ongoing applications and the lack of information in the countries of origin.
Another area of concern focuses on the impact on public services. The mass incorporation of people will create a strong pressure on state infrastructure. In particular, the saturation of the health and educational systems, as well as additional difficulties in accessing housing.
With the deadline still open and the possibility that applications will continue to rise, the mass regularization process is consolidating as one of the most extensive and controversial in recent decades in Spain.
