Migration Policies in the EU and Spain

National and international policies can play a critical role in shaping how migration is handled and perceived in a society, often through the communication of specific ideologies surrounding migration, borders, and sovereignty. In this chapter, I use critical discourse analysis to examine a variety of policies relating to migration and asylum, including procedures relating to regular and irregular migration, as well as social integration for those who are allowed entry. First, I look at three different EU policies from 2011 to 2020. As an EU member state, much of Spain’s own migration policies and practices may be informed by broader discussions and ideologies that stem from the EU level. Next, I examine two landmark policies from Spain from 2000 and 2022. Finally, while Morocco is widely regarded as a transition nation for migrants seeking to move to Europe, I highlight the critical role that Morocco also plays in border control and migration to Ceuta and Melilla, and examine two additional Moroccan policies from 2003 and 2014.