Spain to Legalize Over Half a Million Immigrants as Labor Needs Grow

Spain’s government approved a royal decree to grant legal status to more than 500,000 unauthorized immigrants who have been living in the country, with eligibility requiring five months’ residence by Jan. 1, 2026 and proof of employment or a familial link, excluding those with criminal records. The move aims to address an aging population and strained public services, drawing praise from the Catholic Church but opposition from the center-right PP and Vox, which plan to challenge it in court; applications run through June 30, aligning with Pope Leo’s visit to Spain.