Migration and Integration: A Study of Immigrants in Spain

Abstract

This paper traces the history of the Moroccan, Romanian, Ecuadorian and Chinese immigrants in Spain. It focuses on two dimensions of integration: access to the labour market and the level of discrimination faced by immigrants. By analysing the socio-economic and political changes taking place in these sending countries it seeks to understand the diverse factors that propelled migration. Migration to Spain is predominantly economic. In order to understand the integration of immigrants in Spain it is essential to analyse the labour market mobility in conjunction with the protection against discrimination as this reflects equality of opportunity coupled with a positive attitude towards inclusion in society. The 20th century led to economic growth and an increased demand for low skilled labourers prompting migration towards Spain. Lack of employment opportunities and political instability in the home countries, larger changes in the world such as the Oil Crisis, creation of Israel, discontinuation of labor recruitment by North-western European Countries were major push factors. Immigrants face discrimination in their access to the labour market. Unequal treatment is experienced by most immigrants except the Chinese who are respected for their hard work but mocked for their appearance.