HISTORY

THE GREAT MIGRATION: LATIN AMERICAN TO SPAIN ALONG

HISTORY SINCE THE 1970s

Cristina Azofra, Victoria Brujó and Adriana Infante.

Universidad CEU - San Pablo
Exploria’s 2nd Proposition
May, 2023
Latin American immigration to Spain has a long history, dating back to the 1970s when a
wave of political and economic instability in the region led many Latin Americans to seek
opportunities abroad. Spain was popular due to its historical ties to South America and
relatively open immigration policies. Over the years, the profile of Latin American
immigrants to Spain has changed, and the country has experienced both benefits and
challenges from these migratory groups. Exploring the history of Latin American
immigration to Spain from 1970 onwards, the impact of the 2001 Argentine financial crisis,
"el corralito", and the relationship between this historical migration and the Latin American
immigration to Spain after the COVID-19 pandemic and how they have been affected.

Latin American immigration to Spain in the 1970s and 1980s was characterized by political
instability, particularly in Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. The military regimes that ruled
these countries in the said era were known for their human rights abuses, being the reason for
many people flying to Spain as political refugees. This wave of immigration was also driven
by economic reasons, as many Latin American countries were experiencing economic
downturns in the 80s. As a result, many Latinos saw Spain as a more stable and prosperous
country and sought opportunities there. As a result, the Spanish government welcomed these
immigrants and offered them legal residency and work permits, making settling in the
country easier.

In the 1990s, the profile of Latin American immigrants to Spain began to change. The
political situation in the region had stabilized, and economic growth was beginning in some
countries. However, there were still many economic problems between the continent and
Spain and many immigrants continued to migrate to Spain in search of better economic
opportunities. This wave of immigration was characterized by greater diversity in terms of
immigrants' countries of origin. While Argentina and Chile continued to be major sending
countries, immigrants from Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador also began to arrive in larger
numbers.

In 2001, Argentina experienced a major financial crisis that significantly impacted the
country and its people. The crisis was caused by a combination of factors, including high
levels of external debt, a devaluation of the currency, and the banking system collapsing. The
crisis led to extreme poverty and unemployment, and many Argentines began to emigrate to
other countries, including Spain, due to its historical ties to Argentina and the Spanish
language. This wave of immigration was characterized by the unique circumstances of the
crisis, which forced many Argentines to leave their country and seek opportunities elsewhere.
The crisis also led to the implementation of "el corralito," a measure that restricted the ability
of people in Argentina to withdraw money from their bank accounts. This measure caused
significant economic problems and forced many immigrants to seek opportunities abroad and
leave their hometowns. The impact of the crisis and "el corralito" was significant. This wave
of immigration was characterized by a high level of education and professional skills, as
many of the immigrants were middle-class Argentines wanting to escape the economic
situation caused by the crisis. The arrival of these immigrants positively impacted the Spanish
economy, as they brought skills and expertise that were in demand.

The relationship between this Latin American immigration and the immigration after the
COVID-19 pandemic is complex. On the one hand, the pandemic has decreased immigration
due to travel restrictions and economic instability. On the other hand, however, the pandemic
has also highlighted the vulnerabilities of Latin American immigrants in Spain and the need
for greater support and social protection. In addition, many Latinos work in essential
industries, such as healthcare and food service, which have been critical during the pandemic.

Despite the positive impact of Latin American immigration on Spain's economy, the wave of
migration in the 2000s also brought challenges. As immigrants grew, so did housing,
healthcare and social services tensions. Moreover, many immigrants faced discrimination and
started working low-paying jobs, leading to economic and social exclusion. In addition, some
Spanish politicians used anti-immigrant techniques to appeal to voters, further increasing
tensions with immigrants.

The Spanish government implemented policies to support immigrants and promote

integration in response to these challenges. For example, in 2000, Spain introduced the Aliens
Act, which granted legal residency to immigrants who had lived there for three years and met
certain conditions. The act also provided access to social services such as healthcare and
education. In addition, in 2004, the government established the Spanish Office for the
Support of Immigration and Intercultural Relations, which promotes the integration of
immigrants and combatting discrimination and racism.
Overall, the history of Latin American immigration to Spain is dynamic. From the political
and economic instability that led to the migration in the 1970s and 1980s to the unique
circumstances of the Argentine crisis and "el corralito" in the 2000s, Latin American
immigration has significantly impacted Spain's economy and society. While the pandemic has
led to new challenges and exposed existing inequalities, it has also provided an opportunity to
reexamine and strengthen policies that support immigrant integration and social inclusion.

In conclusion, Latin American immigration to Spain from the 1970s was shaped by political
instability, economic hardship, and the unique circumstances of the Argentine financial crisis,
"el corralito." This migration positively and negatively impacted Spain's economy and
society. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities of Latin American
immigrants in Spain and the need for more significant support and social protections.
However, it has also demonstrated the adaptation and initiative of immigrant communities.
As Spain continues to navigate the challenges of immigration and integration, it is essential to
recognize Latin American immigrants' contributions and potential and work towards a more
inclusive society.

Citations:

● Fargues, P. (2008). Immigration to Spain: A Successful Story. Migration Policy

Institute. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/immigration-spain-successful-story
● BBC News Mundo. (2021, 2 diciembre). 20 años del «Corralito»: 3 cosas que
cambiaron en Argentina tras la grave crisis económica, política y social de 2001. BBC
News Mundo. https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-59494504
● The International Migration Review: IMR. (1999).
● European Commission. (2020). Migrants and refugees as healthcare workers in the
COVID-19 crisis.
https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/news/migrants-and-refugees-healthcare-work
ers-covid-19-crisis_en
● Klusmeyer, D. (2005). Argentine Immigration to Spain: Historical and Contemporary
Perspectives. The Americas, 61(1), 27-53. doi: 10.1353/tam.2005.0103
● INE. (2021). Cifras de población. https://www.ine.es/jaxiT3/Tabla.htm?t=2864&L=0
● Información, L. (2011, 29 noviembre). ¿Qué fue el 'corralito'? La Información.
https://www.lainformacion.com/economia-negocios-y-finanzas/que-es-el-corralito_w
GgBi89GpKHl2GIh72V7n2/