The Media's Contribution to the Attitude of Spaniards towards Latin Americans

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Chapter 2: Literature Review

Economic Growth and Immigration to Spain

As was anticipated, the entrance of Spain into the EEC began an economic impulse, with a more open economy, with an almost exponential increase in the number of foreigners living in Spain, and with the modernisation of the Spanish business sector. Once again, Spain needed help. This aid came from foreign workers in the construction sector. Specifically, this immigrant labour force aided in all of the necessary construction for the Olympics in Barcelona and the Universal Exposition or World Fair in Seville (Ocaña, 2005). This economic “boom” is visible in the figures showing GDP growth during this time, a reduction in opinion polls suggesting public doubt in the economy, an inflation rate of less than 3% and from an unemployment rate of more than 20% to less than 15% in a very short time (Ocaña, 2005). One very important law for immigrants passed by the Spanish government after its assimilation into the EEC was the Ley Orgánica (Fundamental Law) 7/1985 about the Basic Rights and Liberties of Foreigners in Spain. This law specifically dealt with paperwork facilitating the ability to work for foreigners.

With this massive growth in immigrants, Spanish society has had to re-evaluate its position - whether it would be open or closed to immigrants. From the beginning, in a self-preservation attempt, immigrants began to form ethnic enclaves. This division only served to facilitate the trend of exclusion on the part of the Spaniards. In response, there have been several groups who have founded a network of institutions who contribute or, at the very least, attempt to contribute to the integration of immigrants, including Latin American immigrants.

Introduction of Immigration Laws

The Organic Law 4/2000 from 11 January is about rights and liberties for the foreigners in Spain and their social integration. In an exposition of their objectives, the law emphasises: A) The regulation of immigration based on the fact that Spain has been converted from a country of emigrants to a prime destination of immigrants and also as stopping point for other groups of immigrants going in transit to other states. B) This normative forms part of a global approach and a coordinated effort in the treatment of immigrants in Spain (Ley Orgánica 8/2000, p.11).

This legislation has gone farther than any previous one in Spain as a coordinated effort to include immigrants.

Legal Framework for the Immigrant Situation

The regimes discussed in this thesis are centred on residency and long and or short term stays. However, residency can be defined in different ways: temporary, permanent, that of students, that of stateless persons, that of undocumented persons or refugees, and that of minors (Ley Orgánica 8/2000, p.35-42). In order to work, immigrants must understand and adapt to Chapter III of Title I that says that foreigners “older than [sixteen], in order to participate in any lucrative, industrial or professional activity, must demonstrate the prior corresponding authorisation in order to work” (Ley Orgánica 8/2000, ...