Amidst political debate, Bishop José Mazuelos has presented a solution for the situation on the coasts of the Canary Islands. His initiative centers on legality and historical precedent, seeking to normalize the labor flow of migrants.
To support his stance, the bishop referred to Spain's migratory experience in the 1950s. He recalled that at that time, many Spaniards emigrated to Europe with proper documentation to work, and while some returned, others settled in their new destinations.
“"In the 50s, Spaniards went all over Europe, and they went with their papers working. Many returned, many stayed."
Although assisted emigration was the official model from the late 1950s, historians note that thousands of Spaniards also undertook irregular journeys, regularizing their status once settled in countries like France or Germany. Through this parallel, the bishop argues that migration, when channeled in a regulated manner, is a natural and dignified process.
“"We will have to find solutions so that those who leave there can leave with papers and come to work."
The primary goal of this proposal is to end mortality on the Canarian Route and the precariousness of arrivals. Mazuelos emphasizes the need for effective administrative and humanitarian management to prevent the sea from being the only option for those seeking a better future.
“"The important thing is to find the formula so that for those arriving from Africa, their entry route is not a cayuco."
These statements mark a clear position from the bishop, who, after previously denouncing the dehumanization of migrants, now presents a roadmap focused on origin-based hiring and the regularization of migratory flows.
