The measure has generated the predictable reaction from parties like Vox, which labeled it an “invasion.” However, the analysis recalls that the Popular Party (PP), under the presidency of José María Aznar, already greenlit a similar regularization in 2000 and 2001, benefiting over 500,000 undocumented foreigners. These regularizations typically occur during periods of low unemployment and high labor demand, a situation currently being replicated.
Data from the Active Population Survey confirms that last year there were over 600,000 foreign workers in Catalunya, a figure that contrasts with the nearly 100,000 fewer registered as affiliates to Social Security. This disparity highlights the existence of a large number of people working irregularly, making them susceptible to labor abuses due to lack of control.
“"If Vox were able to apply its proposal to expel 8 million foreigners, Santiago Abascal himself might be forced to work outside of politics for the first time in his life."
In response to criticisms that legalization will collapse public services, the analysis emphasizes that without the contributing migrants, the pension system and the maintenance of a large part of public services would likely be unviable. In the Lleida region, people from other countries represent nearly one in four affiliates to Social Security, demonstrating their fundamental role in key productive sectors.
