The development of Spanish immigration policy: ambiguities and ambivalences through the case of West African migrations ; La construction de la politique d'immigration espagnole : ambiguïtés et ambivalences à travers le cas des migrations ouest-africaines

Abstract

This project aims to analyse the development of Spanish immigration policy through the case of West African migrations which significantly reveals the ambiguous and ambivalent nature of the policy. In the context of migratory flows reversal, Spain has become an increasingly important destination for immigrants, so I wish to address the complicated implementation of a national policy which, from its birth in 1985, has had to reconcile EU obligations with internal interests. I shall look at how the virulent politicisation of immigration issues in 2000 not only represents a key moment in the development of Spanish policy, but Europeanization process as well. The significance of this is that Spain, a country which was at first a passive recipient of European norms and practices, steadily became a central actor in the key debates and issues surrounding immigration in the EU. These include the Spanish alignment to the securitisation process of immigration as well as becoming a model in the internationalisation of immigration policy through its action towards the African continent. I will also analyse the development of the external dimension of Spanish policy, which through an exacerbated focus on sub-Saharan immigration leads to a widespread effect of the migratory issues in its dealings with Africa. The reassessment and consequent improvement of Spanish relations with Morocco was a crucial moment due to the country's strategic importance as a "transit zone" to Europe. This trend continued with the consequent re-engagement in West Africa following the Africa Plan which I believe reflects the role of the African continent as a privileged field of expression towards the externalisation of migratory flows control. The deciphering of this emerging Euro-African framework of migration governance and its negotiation help us to fully comprehend the consequences and collateral effects of this policy. ; Ce travail analyse la construction de la politique d'immigration en Espagne à travers le cas des migrations ouest-africaines, ...