ABSTRACT
A country of emigration since the nineteenth century, Spain began to receive immigration in substantial numbers after its entry into the European Union and the economic growth which followed it. Spain has become the main destination point for new immigrants in Europe. In 2005, immigrants represented 10 per cent of the population, three-quarters of which originated from non-EU countries. A good portion of recent economic development, indeed one of the highest in Western Europe, is produced in sectors which employ mainly foreign manpower, namely construction and tourism. This dependence on immigrant labour constitutes an important political and social base for permissive policies toward immigration. Public opinion in this realm is one of the least negative in Europe, but an increase in feelings of rejection, particularly in areas where immigrants concentrate, poses a dilemma for politicians, who have used regularizations as the main policy instrument to control immigration flows.
