Spain's undocumented migrant amnesty draws big lines, and a big backlash

World As undocumented migrants line up for Spain's amnesty program, political opponents vow a fight By Inaya Folarin Iman Updated on: April 22, 2026 / 12:56 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Madrid — There were long lines at registration points across Spain this week as application opened under a new amnesty program expected to see at least 500,000 undocumented migrants gain legal status to stay and work in the country. The program came into effect this month, offering undocumented migrants a one-year renewable residence permit if they can prove they have lived in Spain for at least five months and have no criminal record. The application window opened Monday and runs until the end of June. People wait in a line to enter the Spanish Commission For Refugee Aid (CEAR) in Madrid, Spain, April 22, 2026, to apply for regularized immigration status under an amnesty program for undocumented migrants approved by Spain's left-wing government. Thomas COEX/AFP/Getty But even as it gets underway, the program that sets Spain distinctly apart from other major European economies tackling the immigration issue with tighter restrictions, is itself facing major domestic challenges.Why Spain's leader says the immigration amnesty is neededSpain's government says the program will likely cover around 500,000 people, but estimates vary widely. The Spanish think tank Funcas says, according to the Reuters news agency, there are likely some 840,000 undocumented people working in Spain. The National Center for Immigration and Borders (CNIF), part of Spain's national police force, says between 750,000 and 1 million people in the country could ultimately apply.  Spain is moving to give legal status to roughly 500,000 undocumented migrants under a new plan approved by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government — a sweeping shift that stands in sharp contrast to President Trump’s deportation push in the U.S. @InayaFolarin reports....