Las periferias de la metrópolis

Abstract

While one of the distinguishing features of the Latin American population is its diversity, the process of «civic stratification» in formal and informal immigrant access to economic, political and social rights is rendered deeper and more complex by migratory policies. These regulations affect opportunities for migrants and shape their life experiences, restricting or denying access not only to the labour market, social benefits and family life but also to political rights. This article reviews Spanish migratory policy, with particular attention to family reunification and the regulations affecting Latin American migrations. It then goes on to analyse the weight of migratory policy as an instrument of stratification of rights, exploring the diversity of legal statuses of the various different immigrant groups and the effect of family immigration policies. Finally, it summarises some of the variables that affect the process of stratification of the Latin American immigrant population and sets out some thoughts on the concepts of ethnic affinity and the colonial nature of power.

Keywords

• Civic stratification
• Ethnic affinity
• Family reunion
• Gender
• Latin American migration
• Migratory policies