Spain’s Socialist Government Moves to Legalize Up to 500,000 Illegal Migrants in Sweeping Decree Spain’s Socialist government, in a deal with Podemos, is enacting a mass regularization process to grant legal status to over 500,000 illegal immigrants. This measure, approved by royal decree, allows individuals with as little as five months of residency to qualify, regardless of entry method or prior violations. Critics, primarily the VOX party, argue this policy encourages further illegal immigration and places burdens on legal residents and citizens.

• Spain’s government is implementing a mass regularization of illegal immigrants, potentially legalizing over 500,000 individuals.
• The measure, approved by royal decree, requires as little as five months of residency for eligibility.
• Existing expulsion orders will be suspended upon application, with provisional permits granted for legal employment and public services.
• The VOX party strongly condemns the policy, calling it a ‘crime’ that incentivizes illegal immigration and strains resources.
• VOX claims the government is bypassing parliamentary debate through executive fiat, undermining public accountability.