Spain’s Immigration Amnesty Overwhelmed by 1.2 Million Applicants

More than twice the expected number of unauthorized immigrants applied for legal status in Spain, officials said. The surge, driven largely by applicants from Latin America, has overwhelmed the government’s amnesty program. The program, designed to regularize undocumented migrants, received 1.2 million applications. Authorities had initially projected about 500,000. The high volume has strained processing systems and raised questions about the program’s capacity. Most applicants come from countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, and Honduras. They seek work permits and residency rights. Spain launched the amnesty to address labor shortages and integrate long-term residents. Officials now face a backlog. They are working to verify documents and process claims. The outcome will shape Spain’s immigration policy and affect hundreds of thousands of lives.