As of 2010, Spain has one of the most progressive immigration policies in the European Union; because of these policies, it has experienced positive effects on in terms of foreign policy. Spain is a hub in the EU for a wide variety of cultures and nationalities coming together and living n the same nation. Historically, Spain has had a high percentage of immigrants come from various countries in Europe, Africa and Latin America. Because of integration policies, immigration has spiked even further; as of September 2009, more than 4,000,000 foreigners held registration certificates or residency cards in Spain.
Demographics
According to a 2010 policy brief by the Fundacion para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior (FRIDE), the Spanish Council of Ministers approved a plan for citizenship and integration for the years of 2007 to 2010 and began managing migration flows and processes for integration. They have found that Moroccans form the largest immigrating group and have 758,174 citizens living in Spain. Romanians make up the second-largest group with 728,580 resident citizens, followed by Ecuadorians, Colombians and the British.
History
Historically, Spain has been the site of many different immigration waves from a variety of other nations and cultures. There has been a long line of Moorish influence from the neighboring Moroccans moving north. Several wars and battles fought in Spain have also been a factor in the presence of many different nationalities such as the Romans, Iberians, Carthaginians and Greeks. Latin Americans have also long sought residency in Spain and have become a major immigrating group to Spain in the 20th century.
EU Immigration
Members of the EU are not required to apply for visas or work permits if they intend to stay in Spain for no longer than three months. Those wishing to stay longer must go to the Foreigners Office or a designated police station and register in the province in which they intend to stay. After registering, you will be given a foreigner ID number (NIE) and a certificate of registration.
Non-EU Immigration
Those not residing in the EU have extra steps to take in order to immigrate to Spain. Those intending to reside within Spain need to apply at a Spanish consulate in the country of origin for both a residence visa and a work permit if they plan on taking paid employment during their stay. The work permit will only be granted if there is a valid job offer from a Spanish employer who begins the visa application. It is also required that a NIE number is applied for upon arrival in Spain.
Current Pressure and Problems
Since the financial crises that began in 2008, Spain's integration of immigrants into the labor force has decreased dramatically. Much of Spain's immigration policy has been seen as controversial, and the EU has put pressure on the Spanish government to change its policies to resemble the EU's policies, which is considered more restrictive in nature.
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