Regularization: 1.3 million applications, double the expected amount

The extraordinary regularization process for immigrants in Spain has exceeded all forecasts: it has received between 1.2 and 1.3 million applications. That is, double the 500,000 that the government had initially calculated. And the deadline to submit the documentation ends this Tuesday, June 30. So hurry up if you haven't done so yet.

The Police had already warned about it. In February, an internal report from the General Commissariat of Immigration estimated that the volume would be around 1.25 million. And it also warned of side effects: saturation of public services, social tensions and security problems. Now the data prove them right – and how.

The government, however, repeated until April that the measure would regularize half a million people. Minister Elma Saiz then assured that the procedure was scaled to handle all applications with agility. The reality has been quite different: the numbers have skyrocketed.

The Unified Police Union recalls that specialists on the ground already saw it coming. Now, they say, the real challenge begins: issuing identity cards, taking fingerprints and managing incidents. In other words, the second phase of the process may be even more complex.

With the fear that many will be left out, the 'Regularization Now' movement has brought a proposal to Congress to extend the deadline. The initiative is supported by Podemos, Sumar, EH Bildu, ERC and BNG. For now, the government is not closing the door to further extensions – we'll see.

If you have already submitted your application, it's time to wait. The processing will be long, and issues may arise with appointments or paperwork. Stay alert and, if something gets complicated, don't hesitate to ask for help.

If you are having difficulties with your appointment or procedure, write to us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria