Spain is often characterized as a "new" immigration destination. Between 1998 and 2022, the country's population increased from 40 million to 47.5 million, driven mainly by international immigration. By 2022, Latin American immigrants constituted 43 percent of Spain's foreign-born population. In light of this recent surge in immigration, there has been growing debate among citizens, policymakers, and scholars regarding the extent to which Latin American immigrants successfully integrate into Spanish society. A common misconception is that these immigrants integrate easily due to their shared language, cultural similarities, and historical ties with Spain. Therefore, this study examines the integration of first-generation Colombian, Argentinian, and Ecuadorian immigrants in Madrid and Barcelona from 1998 to 2024. More specifically, if these nationality groups perceive discrimination, trust in public institutions, and feel a sense of belonging in their respective cities. Focusing on the same nationality group across different contexts in different cities, this case study explores how integration experiences may vary between nationality groups and across autonomous communities in Spain. This paper analyzes fourteen semi-structured interviews conducted in June and July of 2024; I found that Latino-on-Latino discrimination, citizenship status, use of social networks, and time in Spain became prominent themes that impacted the integration of these nationality groups. Additionally, I identified the role of Catalan language acquisition as a crucial dimension of the integration process in Catalonia. This study has broad implications for future integration policy in Spain across autonomous communities, as well as implications for the European Union in creating an updated standard integration framework for EU countries to follow.
The Integration of Colombians, Argentinians, and Ecuadorians in Madrid and Barcelona: Discrimination, Trust in Institutions, and Sense of Belonging
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