MADRID: The government of Spain completed a migrant amnesty program it had announced earlier this year on Tuesday, allowing hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants to apply for legal status in the southern European country.
The strategy stands in stark contrast to the severe immigration policies of the Trump administration and most of the prevailing immigration attitudes in Europe, where governments are attempting to lower the number of arrivals and increase deportations.
Pedro Sánchez, the prime minister, praised the action as “an act of justice and a necessity.” He restated the government’s stance that those who now reside and work in the 50 million-person nation ought to “do so under equal conditions” and pay taxes.
Sánchez posted on social media, “We acknowledge rights, but we also demand obligations.”
A one-year residency and work visa is now available to those who fulfill specific requirements. Migrants could apply online on Thursday and in person beginning on April 20, according to Migration Minister Elma Saiz. On June 30, the window will close.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have been in Spain for at least five months and have arrived before January 1. According to Saiz, this might be accomplished by submitting “public or private” materials. According to the administration, applicants must also demonstrate that they have no criminal history.
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