The deportations of migrants from the United States to various countries in Latin America can influence the migratory flow towards countries like Spain, which already hosts a significant Latin American diaspora, according to officials from civil organizations consulted by EFE. Nelson Restrepo, from the Federation of Colombian Associations in Madrid, emphasizes that "if the doors close in the United States, the drift will be towards Europe, especially to Spain."
Restrepo points out that Trump's decision to tighten immigration policy may affect other countries and would have direct and indirect repercussions on both legal and illegal immigration. In Spain, the Colombian community is one of the largest, and many young Colombians arrive in the country to finish their studies with the intention of staying to work.
According to official data, around 578,000 Colombians reside legally in Spain, although the real number is likely higher if those with Spanish nationality are considered. Ecuador would also be affected by the deportations from the United States, as it has a significant migrant community in Spain, over 124,000 according to the National Institute of Statistics.
Vladimir Paspuel, who heads the Rumiñahui association for migrant assistance in Spain, mentions that many deportees from Ecuador will not stay in their country and will seek to establish themselves in Spain, where some have lived before. The relaxation of Spanish foreigner regulations for student visas starting in May will facilitate the migrants' stay in the European country.
While deportations are not something new and have occurred under other administrations like that of Joe Biden, Trump has exacerbated this phenomenon alarmingly, according to Adilia de las Mercedes, director of the Association of Women of Guatemala in Spain. Adilia highlights that Spain also expels migrants and refugees, and stresses the need to address the root causes of migration, such as resource plundering and extreme violence, rather than simply deporting people.
