Migration Patterns: Spanish Emigration and Foreign Immigration
Emigration to Europe
Until the mid-twentieth century, emigration was scarce and seasonal, primarily from the Levantine region to France. It consisted of farmers, construction workers, domestic maids, and political refugees from the Civil War.
Peak Emigration (1950-1973)
The period between 1950 and 1973 marked the highest peak of emigration to Europe. This was largely permanent emigration due to various factors:
- European Side: Rapid economic reconstruction after World War II created a broad range of employment opportunities.
- Spanish Side: Emigration was fueled by strong population growth, a surplus agricultural population due to mechanization, the failure of industrialization to absorb rising unemployment, and the end of previous emigration benefits.
The source of emigrants expanded to include all regions, particularly Andalucia and Galicia, with France, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Switzerland as primary destinations.
The typical emigrant was a young adult with limited training.
Decline in Emigration (Post-1973)
From 1973 onwards, emigration declined due to the economic crisis and rising unemployment. Since then, Spanish emigration to Europe has remained at low levels. Currently, it is primarily seasonal and temporary, involving male workers from Andalucia and Galicia.
Consequences of Emigration
Demographic Effects
Emigration led to a reduction in the Spanish population.
Economic Consequences
Emigration relieved strong natural population growth and unemployment. Remittances sent by migrants helped finance economic development and reduce the deficit.
Social Consequences
Emigrants faced uprooting, integration into societies with unfamiliar languages and customs, harsh living conditions, separation from family, and low-quality housing. Their employment status was often characterized by low wages. After the economic crisis, migrants were disproportionately affected by layoffs and faced challenges in finding work and housing.
Foreign Immigration
Foreign immigrants can be categorized as:
- Naturalized citizens who, after several years of residence, become full Spanish citizens.
- Legal immigrants who obtain a residence permit while retaining their original nationality.
- Undocumented immigrants, whose numbers are difficult to quantify, but estimated to be around 200,000 after the last regularization.
Causes of Immigration
- Spanish Side: The need for manual labor, including undocumented work, family reunification, Spain’s proximity to Africa, and the Mediterranean climate.
- Immigrant Side: Economic reasons (job opportunities) and political reasons (persecution).
Immigrants originate from countries within the European Union, Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Primary destinations include Catalonia, Madrid, Andalucia, Valencia, the Basque Country, the Canary Islands, and Murcia.
Immigrant Profile
- EU immigrants are often retirees or adults attracted by job opportunities and business ventures.
- Non-EU immigrants are typically young people who come to Spain for political or economic reasons.
Consequences of Immigration
Demographic Impact
Immigrants have significantly contributed to population growth, both directly and by increasing the birth rate.
Economic Impact
Immigration provides an active workforce, contributing to GDP growth. However, it is also associated with potential problems such as downward pressure on wages and an increased external deficit due to remittances sent to immigrants’ countries of origin.
Social Impact
Xenophobic or racist attitudes have emerged, with some viewing immigration as an “invasion.” Many migrants face harsh working conditions and integration difficulties due to cultural differences, language barriers, and religious differences.