Despite the fact that all the data shows that irregular immigration is growing on all European routes except the one that has Spain as its destination, Vox blames the government of Pedro Sánchez “for the disorderly arrival of millions of illegal immigrants.” The latest balance from the Ministry of the Interior shows a decrease of 11% in irregular arrivals —by sea and land— compared to the same period last year. Some figures that do not convince the far-right party, which raises in its electoral program the urgency of taking “the necessary measures” so that Spain does not follow the French model; in another attempt to mix immigration and crime.
Vox’s recipe, included in the program with which Santiago Abascal’s formation contests the next general elections, involves first calling a referendum —invoking article 92 of the Constitution— to consult all citizens about “the immigration policies and the expulsion of illegal immigrants”.
The ultra party pleads for the “immediate expulsion” of all immigrants who enter Spain “illegally”. “You can only enter Spain in a legal, orderly manner and with the will to integrate and contribute to the development of the Nation”, leaves the extreme right in black on white.
Vox distinguishes between “legal immigrants” and “illegal immigrants”, despite the fact that entering or staying in the country without documentation is an irregularity, not a crime. For those migrants who commit a serious or minor crime, Vox proposes immediate expulsion. In their electoral program it is not included what these express returns that they propose would be like. One of the biggest difficulties that Spain faces, like the rest of its European partners, when making these returns are the obstacles put up by the countries of origin.
Vox is also committed to eliminating public aid for illegal immigrants and subsidies to NGOs, associations or any entity “that allocates its funds to promote or help illegal immigration.” “We will demand that social aid be linked to legal residence and not mere registration,” they say from Vox.
The battery of immigration measures goes much further. Those of Abascal, who will fight with Sumar for third position on 23J, advocate closing the centers for unaccompanied foreign minors because, in their opinion, “they create insecurity on the streets.” Until they are eliminated, they say, the Mena centers “will be relocated away from urban centers in order to prevent criminal behavior.”
Vox also speaks in its electoral program of “promoting a naval blockade” that “protects” the Spanish coasts from the arrival of small boats with immigrants on board. With this plan, they argue, shipwrecks will be avoided and “immediate return” will be ensured.
