00:00Sleepless nights and long lines.
00:03This was the scene a few weeks ago as undocumented migrants
00:07rushed to get legal status in Spain.
00:09The window of opportunity is opened until the end of June.
00:13More than 500,000 people could benefit from Spain's mass legalization plan.
00:18Luna Jayat has also applied.
00:20She's from Argentina and came to Spain three years ago.
00:23She works informally as an office assistant here in Madrid.
00:26It's a life in the shadows.
00:32They pay me in cash.
00:34I don't have any kind of retirement or social security contributions.
00:40I work and I get paid and that's about it.
00:44Now she is waiting for her work permit.
00:46A lawyer helped her submit the documents.
00:49These past weeks law firms have been swarmed with applications.
00:53Applicants don't need a lawyer to submit their papers.
00:56But many still want help.
01:02Immigration processes are not simple.
01:04It's not just the legal aspect.
01:06But the entire emotional process a person has to go through.
01:10So having this legal assistance that facilitates obtaining legal status in Spain
01:14brings them considerable relief.
01:19Most applicants are from Latin America or North Africa.
01:22She says the process has shown how diverse migration to Spain has been.
01:32There are actually many other nationalities benefiting because this procedure is accessible to people with diverse backgrounds
01:39who, for whatever reason, have become undocumented in Spain after applying for residency.
01:45People for whom there is no other way, or this is a simpler way, to legalize their immigration status.
01:53So, although these are the most common nationalities, we also have people from India, Russia, other Asian countries and the
02:02United States.
02:07For years, Spain's immigration debate has been shaped by scenes like these.
02:11Migrants arriving from the African continent via the Canary Islands.
02:16The government's plan is open to migrants already in Spain, regardless of how they arrived, as long as they've been
02:23here since before January 1, 2026 and stayed at least five months.
02:28Officials say bringing them into the formal economy could help fill labour shortages and boost tax revenues.
02:35Many work in sectors such as caregiving and agriculture.
02:38As much of Europe tightens migration policy, the Spanish government's different approach is drawing criticism from the EU, the Spanish
02:46opposition and the far-right Vox Party.
02:51Many people are being granted legal status through the back door without meeting the requirements imposed on other migrants entering
02:58Spain.
02:58Why are they treated better? Why aren't visas required? Why isn't proof of sufficient financial means required? Why aren't job
03:06offers required?
03:07It's very serious. The situation is extremely dangerous.
03:16They fear that legalising an estimated half a million beneficiaries of the plan could strain healthcare, education and social services.
03:26In an exclusive interview with DW, Spain's Secretary of State for Migration sought to calm those concerns.
03:38There's this view that the people we are legalising are going to invade the rest of the European Union.
03:45Therefore, first the authorisation granted through this process is solely for residing and working in Spain.
03:52It's for people who are already here and, in many cases, already work here.
04:00And foreigners who work here use healthcare and benefits and other state resources much less.
04:06Furthermore, to receive state benefits, most require years of residency in Spain.
04:12Therefore, it's not automatic. Many requirements must be met and fulfilled to be eligible.
04:20For many, Spain's mass legalisation of undocumented migrants remains a source of political debate.
04:27But for Luna Sayat, it is a chance to be part of society.
04:36The fact that the state acknowledges that there is a situation that is harming many people and is doing something
04:43to change it, gives me hope for a better world.
04:50Shortly after our interview, Luna received her papers.
04:53She is now legally allowed to live and work in Spain for a year and can then apply for an
04:59extension.
04:59So don't треб, she marines your mind for just the moment.
05:00She's probably not them where she's not condition.
05:02She was actually a writer to say she automatically is a rule of ampl gerek so that she sits away
05:02from the moment.
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