Spain Launches Migrant Legalization Push

0:00It's April 20th. This is Canada News Today, powered by AI. Spain just kicked off a huge legalization push for migrants living there without papers. Starting Monday, hundreds of thousands of foreigners can apply for a one-year renewable residence permit if they've been in the country five months and got no criminal record. Deadlines end of June, and it's already drawn crowds. The program got announced back in January and wrapped up details this month. For 370 post offices, one open, plus 60 social security spots, and some migration offices. Online apps launched Friday, making it easier for folks to jump in. Migrants hitting up places in Madrid and Barcelona say the process flows smooth, even if waits drag with appointments. One Venezuelan woman called it, simple, after booking online, while a Moroccan guy waited four hours for paperwork but said it had fixed his tied hands, without legal status. Five Minister Pedro Sanchez hails it as justice in a must for Spain's economy, with an

1:01aging population needing workers to pay taxes and keep things. Running. Unlike much of Europe cracking down on arrivals, Spain's betting on immigrants from places like Venezuela, Colombia, and Morocco to fuel agriculture, tourism, and services. This ain't new. Spain's done amnesty six times since 1986. Now one in every five residents is foreign-born, about ten million strong, so this could study the workforce and boost the book's long term.