The Spanish government announced that it plans to modify its immigration policy. The changes focus on increasing family reunification criteria, extending the time authorities are allowed to keep undocumented under arrest, and create provisions facilitating immigrants’ return to their countries. The amended policies will also include incentives for immigrants to return to their home countries by making payments from their unemployment subsidy. The changes are set to be implemented starting in July, and is in response to Spain’s economic difficulties; approximately 20,000 immigrants are expected to be considered eligible for the new policy program.
