The plan, which Prime Minister Sanchez described as an "act of justice," aims to formally integrate these individuals into the country's workforce and social fabric. In an open letter to citizens, Sanchez emphasized that the legalization represents an acknowledgment of the reality in which half a million people are already actively participating in Spain's daily life. According to him, migrants are crucial for maintaining the economy and public services in a country whose population is rapidly aging. "These people have helped build the rich, open, and diverse Spain that we are and aspire to be," Sanchez stated, drawing a parallel with Spain's history as a nation whose citizens once emigrated in search of a better life. Spain's conservative opposition People's Party (PP) has promised to try to block the legalization, which it said rewards illegal migrants and will encourage more arrivals. The government's plan will offer a one-year, renewable residence permit to undocumented migrants. To qualify, applicants must prove they have already spent five months living in Spain and have a clean criminal record. They have from April 16 until the end of June to apply. Think tank Funcas estimates there are about 840,000 undocumented migrants in Spain, the vast majority of whom are Latin Americans. "This will benefit many people, giving them access to work and a better quality of life. And that means more money for the Spanish state and more workers will be legally available to employers," said Ricardo, a Bolivian graphic designer who plans to apply for the program.