The latest report from the Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS) has sparked a debate among experts regarding whether immigration is truly the main concern for Spaniards. According to the CIS barometer, immigration has been identified as the top issue in Spain, surpassing long-standing concerns like unemployment, which ranked third, and housing, which placed sixth.
However, several experts have questioned the validity of this finding, suggesting that a combination of the current political environment, media portrayal, and survey design have significantly influenced public perceptions.
Political and Media Influence
One of the primary concerns raised by experts is the timing of the survey, which followed a surge in irregular migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands. This period also coincided with heightened political tension and polarization, which may have shaped public opinion on immigration.
For instance, the political context has become more charged with the emergence of the far-right party, Vox, which has actively used anti-immigration rhetoric to shape public discourse. Previously, Spain was relatively unique compared to other European countries in its generally positive attitude toward immigration. This changed in 2018 when Vox gained political ground, institutionalizing a more hostile stance toward immigration.
Rut Bermejo, a political science professor and researcher, highlighted the “August effect,” where the lack of significant news during this month often leads to greater media focus on issues such as immigration. This increased attention can amplify a sense of alarm or urgency regarding irregular migration, even if it constitutes only a fraction of overall immigration. This media amplification can influence how immigration is perceived as a pressing national issue.
Survey Design and Methodology
Experts also questioned the design of the CIS survey itself. Before asking respondents about the country’s primary concerns, the survey included questions that directly referenced immigration, potentially predisposing respondents to consider it a more significant issue than they might have otherwise. As highlighted by Sebastian Rinken, Deputy Director of the Institute for Advanced Social Studies (IESA) at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), this approach could have led to a “contamination” of the results, steering the public’s answers in a particular direction.
Actual Data vs Perception
Juan Iglesias, a professor of sociology, pointed out that the combined result of those who cited immigration as the first, second, or third most significant problem does make it seem like a top concern. However, when asked about the most critical issue affecting them personally, immigration dropped to the fifth position, suggesting a discrepancy between perceived national problems and individual concerns. This points to the idea that while immigration might be seen as a broader national issue, it is not necessarily felt as acutely on a personal level.
Political Instrumentalization and Hoaxes
The politicization of immigration has led to misinformation and hoaxes that fuel public anxiety. For example, myths around immigrants “jumping the queue” for public assistance or being over-represented in crime statistics have been repeatedly debunked. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior and other organizations have clarified that there is no evidence linking immigration to an increase in crime, nor do immigrants monopolize public resources or take away jobs from natives.
Tolerance Despite Concerns
Despite these challenges, studies indicate that Spain remains more tolerant toward immigrants compared to other European countries. Even among those who express negative views on immigration, very few direct their frustration toward immigrants themselves. Instead, the criticism is often aimed at the management of immigration policies, indicating that interpersonal relations between Spaniards and immigrants are generally positive.
In conclusion, while the latest CIS report suggests immigration is seen as a pressing problem, experts believe that this perception is significantly influenced by political discourse, media coverage, and survey design, rather than the lived experiences of most Spaniards. This highlights the importance of understanding the broader context when interpreting public opinion on immigration in Spain.
