More Than 1 Million Apply for Spain's Migrant Amnesty

More than one million undocumented migrants have applied to regularize their status in Spain under a special government program, whose application period ended on Tuesday, according to Euronews.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's left-wing government originally estimated that the measure would benefit around 500,000 people, most of them from Latin America.

Applicants must demonstrate good conduct and prove they had lived continuously in Spain for at least five months before January 1. Authorities have three months to process the applications. Successful applicants will receive residence and work permits valid in Spain.

Sánchez has argued that immigration is essential to support Spain's economy, sustain the pension system and address the country's ageing population. The program is backed by business groups, which cite persistent labour shortages.

However, the conservative and right-wing opposition argues that the legalization program will encourage further illegal migration and has criticized the government for what it describes as an overly permissive immigration policy.

(mja)