The Collapse Of Schengen... Over 1 Million Illegal Migrants Apply For Spanish Citizenship

The Collapse Of Schengen... Over 1 Million Illegal Migrants Apply For Spanish Citizenship centers on Spain’s legalization drive and the knock-on effect for free movement across the Schengen area. The New York Times reports that, after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced mass regularization aimed at 500,000 people, the number has doubled, reaching more than 1 million applications for Spanish citizenship from people without authorization. In April, Spain issued a decree giving illegal migrants three months to apply, and the article says the measure was not formally voted in parliament, proceeding instead through an emergency decree approved by the Council of Ministers. Conservative figures, including Vox leader Santiago Abascal and Polish MEP Anna Bryłka, argue it will undermine Schengen and enable settlement elsewhere in Europe. The article adds that the program traces back to a 2024 citizens’ initiative backed by over 700,000 people and supported by hundreds of organizations.