ABSTRACT
Latin America has been the main origin of immigrants, making Spain the second greatest host country of Latin American migration after the US. The economic growth experienced since 1996 made possible an increase in the active domestic population and the absorption of this foreign labour force. There are various factors that help explain why Spain has been so attractive to immigrants over the past few years: firstly, a strong and relatively vibrant informal economy in which irregular migrants can find employment. Secondly, the relatively positive social attitudes towards immigrants, compared with other European countries. Thirdly, the traditional tolerance towards illegality embedded in Southern European political culture; and, finally, the provision of social rights for irregular immigrants in Spanish law. Spain is unique in Europe as regards the data available on the number of immigrants, since irregular immigrants are given incentives to register on their local council's population censuses.
