Who do foreigners vote for when they gain Spanish citizenship?

"With far-right Vox pledging to deport millions of migrants (including those born in Spain) on one hand and the left-wing government promising mass regularisations of undocumented migrants, the debate here has become polarised. Each bloc seemingly has its own group of 'acceptable' immigrants too: for the Spanish right, wealthy white European and Americans along with Latino migrants are favoured, whereas for the left refugees and asylum seekers are welcome while wealthier foreigners are to blame for property price rises and gentrification."

"However, an overlooked strand of the immigration debate in Spain is the political preferences of immigrants themselves, especially those that take Spanish citizenship and can vote in elections. This is a growing phenomenon in Spain, with increasing numbers of foreigners becoming Spanish nationals, whether from abroad via ancestry or through residency. A new study by Opina 360 has shed some light on their political leanings."

Immigration has become a highly charged political issue in Spain, with far-right Vox pledging deportations and the left promising mass regularisations of undocumented migrants. Political debate has become polarised, with the right favouring wealthy white Europeans, Americans and Latino migrants while the left welcomes refugees and blames wealthier foreigners for rising property prices and gentrification. Naturalisation of foreigners is increasing through ancestry and residency, creating a growing electorate of naturalised Spanish citizens. A study by Opina 360 analysed data from Spain's Centro de Investigaciones Sociologicas (CIS) and Instituto Nacional de Estadistica (INE) to examine the political leanings of these new citizens. Taking current naturalisation rates into account, Spain will surpass three million foreign-born residents with Spanish nationality by the end of 2025, positioning this group to play a significant role in future elections.

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