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. A good portion of economic development, indeed one of the highest in Western Europe, is produced in sectors which employ mainly foreign manpower: construction and tourism. This dependence on immigrant labour constitutes an important political and social base for permissive policies toward immigration. The first measure designed to regulate immigration in Spain was approved in 1985 in order to adapt Spanish legislation to European policies before entering the European Community. Public attention focused on two issues: first, the restrictions directed to facilitate the expulsion of illegal immigrants, and second the limitations to the right of association, strike and demonstration. The political leaders understand that a large part of the Spanish population would be opposed to a policy involving raids and massive expulsion of irregular immigrants.
