美媒：拥抱移民，西班牙为何成西方“例外”？

Core Viewpoint - Spain is diverging from the Western political trend by welcoming immigrants, with new regulations easing residency and work permit conditions, potentially granting citizenship to over 1 million people [1][2]. Group 1: Immigration Trends - Between 2021 and 2023, nearly 3 million immigrants from outside the EU entered Spain, driven by the country's labor needs and low birth rate of 1.4, which is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 [2]. - Spain's economy, bolstered by tourism, ranks fourth in the EU, creating demand for low to mid-level jobs that many locals are unwilling to fill [2]. Group 2: Public Sentiment and Historical Context - Spain has a history of being a major emigration country, which contributes to its current high level of tolerance towards immigrants. A 2019 Pew Research Center survey indicated that Spain has the most positive attitude towards immigration among European countries [3]. - The fragmented national identity in Spain, with strong regional nationalisms, makes it difficult for right-wing politicians to rally anti-immigrant sentiments, contrasting with the situation in countries like France [3]. Group 3: Government Policies and Economic Impact - Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's pragmatic approach prioritizes immigration from Latin America, allowing applicants to seek citizenship after just two years, which facilitates integration due to shared language and culture [4]. - The Spanish government has strategically addressed labor shortages in sectors like technology, hospitality, agriculture, and elder care by issuing work permits to international students [5]. - The Spanish economy has shown resilience, achieving a growth rate of 3.2% post-pandemic, while other major European economies faced contraction, reinforcing the argument for the economic benefits of immigration [5]. Group 4: Ethical Considerations and Future Outlook - Sánchez emphasizes the moral responsibility of Spain to create a welcoming society, reflecting on the historical journeys of previous generations who emigrated [6]. - Despite some rising concerns among Spaniards regarding immigration, the current policies demonstrate that generous immigration strategies can be a resource for growth and revitalization rather than a threat [6].