Immigrants in Spain: Employment and Welfare Assimilation

Unprecedented immigration boom in a short period of time

Foreign-born population as a % of the population in Spain 1998-2011

What factors explain this surge?

An immigrant-friendly country

Year Number regularized

Benefit granted Conditions

1985-1986 38,181 Residence and work permit

All unauthorized workers and residents

1991 110,100 Residence and work permit

In Spain since May 15, 1991

1996 21,300 1 year residence and work permit

In Spain since January 1, 1996


Either worked or applied for residence in the 3 years prior to 2000


Had to prove employment and social ties

2005 548,700 6 months residence and work permit

Had to have a job offer lasting for 6 months

Over time, origin of immigrants has changed

Cohort EU15 Other Europeans

Latin Americans

Africans

Pre-1990 0.273 0.009 0.016 0.0891990-1994 0.126 0.030 0.030 0.1431995-1999 0.158 0.093 0.094 0.2372000-2004 0.217 0.585 0.504 0.3642005-2009 0.072 0.263 0.156 0.128Sample size 6,803 8,463 20,321 8,392

Natives: 34% HS dropouts, 50% HS grads, 16% college grads

How do immigrants compare to natives in terms of employment?

Strong occupational segregation at all levels

Wage differential using Social Security records

What about use of cash-benefit social programs?

  Contributary component:

– Unemployment benefits – Disability pensions – Survivors’ pension

  Non-contributary component:

– Family allowances – Other social programs

Relative Weight of the Spanish Social Protection Benefits as a Percentage of the EU15 Average (in PPS per inhabitant)

Observed Differences in Welfare Participation, Immigrants versus Natives, by Years Since Migration

Observed Differences in UI Receipt, Immigrants versus Natives, by Years Since Migration

Observed Differences in Disability Receipt, Immigrants versus Natives, by Years Since Migration

Food for thought..

Immigrants in Spain: Employment and Welfare Assimilation

Travel