Spain Launches Migrant Amnesty By Decree For Up To One Million People

Spain has launched a decree to legalize up to one million undocumented migrants. The government says the measure aims to register people who have lived and worked in Spain and to reduce exploitation and precarious labor.

Officials describe the program as an administrative regularization handled by decree, bypassing a slower parliamentary route to speed processing. Authorities expect many applicants, but also face legal and logistical questions about eligibility, verification of work history, and municipal capacity to register claimants.

News reports and social media show long lines at immigration offices as people queue to apply, and images have fueled intense public debate. Supporters argue regularization will integrate essential workers and increase tax revenue, while critics say the move rewards illegal entry and could strain public services, and opposition parties have signaled plans for legal challenges.