SPAIN’S Supreme Court is set to decide whether to suspend the controversial migrant regularisation scheme.
Applications for the programme, which aims to grant temporary legal status to around 500,000 migrants, opened on April 16 and are due to close on June 30.
However, the process could be halted if the court grants a precautionary suspension of the royal decree underpinning the scheme, effectively freezing it while legal proceedings continue.
The court will examine a series of appeals and lawsuits arguing that the measure exceeds the government’s legal powers and is incompatible with EU law.
Among those challenging the decree are Vox, the Community of Madrid and conservative campaign group Hazte Oir.
At a rally in Jaen, Vox announced it would bring a case before the Supreme Court, with party leaders describing the scheme as the ‘legalisation and institutionalisation of the migrant invasion’.
Vox also accused the government of sending ‘a message that illegally entering Spain is rewarded’.
The Community of Madrid filed its appeal on April 22, with its president Isabel Diaz Ayuso of the People’s Party warning that the scheme would place ‘serious’ pressure on Madrid’s public services.
Hazte Oir submitted its appeal on April 16, arguing that the government has exceeded legal limits and that the plan ‘structurally alters the state’s migration policy, with direct and lasting effects.’
All of the appeals request a precautionary suspension of the scheme, which would stop the process while the courts rule on its legality.
Representing the government, the State Attorney’s Office is expected to oppose any suspension, arguing that it would cause “direct harm to the rights of the foreign nationals concerned and, therefore, to the general interest.”
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the appeals tomorrow.
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