Lives and rights at stake in the midst of a political battle

The extraordinary regularization of immigrants has become a new front of political confrontation between the State government and various right-wing autonomous executives, including that of the Balearic Islands. The debate, legitimate in a democracy, is today a war of attrition that runs the risk of dehumanizing a reality that affects thousands of people. In the Islands, it is estimated that more than 30,000 people could benefit from this process. These are not abstract figures, they are lives that depend, to a large extent, on being able to escape administrative irregularity.

Having papers is not a minor issue. As experts and social entities point out, it represents a before and after: access to basic rights, job stability, protection against abuse, and also, the assumption of duties like any other citizen. It is the gateway to a dignified life. That is why it is concerning that the issue is being used as a political weapon.

Marga Prohens' Government has opposed the regularization, alleging a possible "pull effect". It is a recurrent argument, but difficult to sustain, with conclusive evidence in a global context marked by profound inequalities that are, in reality, the main driver of migratory flows. Meanwhile, political decisions such as that of the Palma City Council not to strengthen care services have had tangible consequences, with endless queues and more difficulties for people already living in vulnerable situations.

There is also a contradiction that is difficult to ignore. The Balearic economy has benefited for years from the labor of thousands of people in irregular situations. They are present in essential sectors: care, construction, cleaning, and services. They are tolerated when they sustain the system, but are turned their backs on when it comes to recognizing their rights. This hypocrisy is not only unfair, but it perpetuates a model based on precariousness.

Regularization is not a magic or definitive solution. It is, however, a necessary step to order an existing reality and reduce pockets of labor exploitation and social exclusion. That is why the temporal limitation of the process until June 30th is also surprising, which could generate new situations of legal uncertainty.

Social, civic and religious entities have expressed their support for the measure, aware that the migratory challenge requires structural responses and not just ideological stances. Massive irregularity will not disappear by denying it. It has deep roots in an unequal world that will continue to push people to seek opportunities wherever possible. In this context, what is needed is political responsibility and a long-term vision. Turning regularization into an instrument of confrontation may yield short-term gains, but it has high human costs, costs that, too often, fall on the most vulnerable.