A new poll of young Spaniards has revealed rapidly growing fears migration poses a real threat, after thousands of arrivals queued for residency documents.
Among Spaniards aged 18 to 24, concerns are mounting regarding the number of migrants in the country, according to a study entitled Jovenes Espanoles 2026, published by the non-profit organisation Fundación SM. Particular concerns have intensified since the government initiated a so-called amnesty for migrants, which is expected to bring in an additional half a million people, although some estimates suggest that the actual number of migrants could be twice that figure.
In the survey, more than six in ten respondents stated that the presence of migrants had led to a rise in crime, and 65.6% agreed there were “starting to be too many migrants” in Spain. Furthermore, 58.9% of respondents agreed with the statement: “We make things too easy for migrants.”
Meanwhile, today’s figures contrast with data from 2020, when 30.4% of respondents expressed negative views towards migrants.
Significant growth was observed in support of the view that migrants must make an effort to assimilate into Spanish traditions and social norms, with 72% of respondents agreeing with this opinion. The claim that foreign nationals take jobs away from the Spanish native population fell to 43% of respondents, down from 78% in 2005. 51% agreed with the belief that migration is economically necessary given Spain’s difficult situation.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez issued a royal decree earlier this year granting legal status to more than 500,000 migrants. The decree, adopted on 14 April, has led to massive queues of migrants across the country seeking to have their documents officially stamped.
Throughout Spain, long queues have formed since last Thursday, with the largest crowds reported in Catalonia, Andalusia and Asturias. Applicants spend the whole night queuing in search of vulnerability certificates. Migrants in Madrid on Tuesday desperately tried to scale the wall of the Gambian embassy in a bid to obtain the necessary documents.
Migration policy is a cornerstone of his progressive agenda, positioning Spain against the trend of tightening borders seen in other European countries. On the other hand, Spain’s economy grew by 2.8% last year, more than double the eurozone average, meanwhile the unemployment rate fell below 10% for the first time since 2008.
