A report by the Spanish police indicates that as many as one million undocumented migrants may take advantage of a government decree aimed at regularizing their status, a figure that doubles government estimates. The national police's immigration and borders report suggests that between 750,000 and one million undocumented migrants currently in Spain are expected to apply for legal status under this new initiative, with an additional 250,000 to 350,000 asylum seekers also seeking legalization. This could reshape the immigration landscape in Europe and spark significant political debate, according to The Times.

The report, dated January 29, highlights a growing disparity between police estimates and the projection made by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who suggested that only about 500,000 individuals would benefit from this initiative. The police's higher projection raises questions about the accurate understanding of the undocumented migrant population in Spain and may indicate a larger migration challenge ahead. This initiative could have broader implications for immigration policy not only in Spain but also in neighboring European countries.

Additionally, this move has the potential to shift international perceptions of Spain's immigration policy, which may influence future migration flows within Europe. The report's findings are likely to heighten political discourse as various stakeholders, including government officials and opposition parties, react to the implications of legalizing such a substantial number of migrants. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how this policy might affect Spain's demographics and its integration strategies for migrants.