The Immigrant Contract: Integrate or Vacate

Uncategorized — By admin on February 19, 2008 1:00 am

Madrid – Mariano Rajoy’s new electoral
promise to institute an “integration contract” for all foreigners in Spain
has brought froth to the political chit chat arena. The contract for foreigners
living in Spain
would have the “same rights as Spaniards; however, they would have to follow
Spanish laws, learn the language, respect Spanish customs, among other things”
(Feb 6).

The contract would be for any “immigrant” wanting a residence permit for
more than a year in Spain.
And, if after a period of time the person couldn’t find work, he or she would
have to return home, regardless of European Union residency. Mr. Rajoy also
promises to kick out any foreigner that committed a crime, once again regardless
of whether or not they have residency in Spain.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably an immigrant. So, Can you speak Spanish well? Can you dance
Sevillanas? Do you know who Tomatito is? Have you ever eaten
dinner before 9:30? Do you nudge or sometimes hit people when you tell a story?
If you have answered “no” to any of these preliminary questions, you may need
to pack your bags, guiri.

Rajoy has been subsequently grilled for this move. For those who manage
to take Mr. Rajoy seriously, the question is indeed: Whose customs? Mr Rajoy’s
customs? Grandma’s customs? Think about it and the implications stretch beyond ridiculous. President Zapatero handled the issue by claiming that foreigners
living in Spain
are and would be treated like Spainards, starting with the constitution.

Esteban Cancelado, president of the state federation of immigrant and
refugee associations, sums it up simply. Referring to the PP: “being election
time, it seems important [for them] to get their votes from those that are
against immigration, feeding racism and xenophobia.”

And that’s just the point: as a foreigner, even if you hold residence
here you can’t vote, so it’s not your issue. It’s little more than smelling
salts for the far right.

So, now that you know that your status here rests in the hands of
others, you’ll probably want to watch Zapatero and Rajoy duke it out live
February 25 and March 3. If nothing else, it’ll be a good way to brush up your
Spanish, which you may need if things change on March 9.

I wouldn’t worry, though.