The Socialist government defends the move to allow undocumented immigrants to work but the right-wing opposition says the policy will accelerate ‘invasion’
A political row has erupted in Spain over the government’s decision to grant residency to about 500,000 undocumented migrants.
The move sharply diverges from tougher immigration policies taking hold elsewhere in Europe and the United States.
Scheduled to be approved by decree, as Spain’s minority Socialist-led coalition lacks a majority in parliament, the plan will allow eligible migrants to obtain up to one year of residency and a work permit.
