The Spanish Council of Ministers approved a landmark Royal Decree on Tuesday to legalize over 500,000 undocumented migrants currently residing in the country. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the decision in an open letter to citizens, framing the measure as both a moral imperative and an economic requirement for the nation's future.
Sánchez characterized the initiative as an "act of justice" and a "normalization" of the reality facing hundreds of thousands of individuals who already contribute to society. He specifically drew parallels between current migrants and the historical experiences of Spanish families during the 20th century.
"Our grandparents emigrated to the U.S. and Europe in search for a better life," Sánchez stated. He argued that Spain now has a duty to provide the same welcoming environment that past generations of Spaniards sought abroad while fleeing economic hardship or political instability.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the legalization is a necessity due to Spain's rapidly aging demographic. He warned that without new people working and contributing to the system, the nation's prosperity inevitably slows and public services suffer under the weight of a shrinking workforce.
Under the new decree, migrants who were present in the country before January 1, 2026, can apply for initial one-year residency and work permits. The application window is scheduled to open on April 16 and will remain active until June 30 through a newly established digital platform designed to handle the influx.
The policy represents a significant departure from the tightening migration trends observed in other European Union member states. While Spain moves toward integration to bolster its economy, several neighboring countries have recently implemented stricter border controls and more aggressive asylum rules.
In the United States, the administration of President Donald Trump continues to maintain a contrasting approach, focusing on strict enforcement and the removal of undocumented individuals. Sánchez’s decree has sparked international debate regarding the most effective way to manage global migration flows and systemic labor shortages.
Domestic critics, including opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, have labeled the move "reckless," suggesting it creates a "pull factor" for further illegal immigration. Additionally, some immigration office workers have threatened to strike next week, citing a lack of administrative resources to process the anticipated surge of applications.