Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Date of Award
5-2-2026
Cohort Year
2025
Department
World Languages and Cultures
First Faculty Mentor
Dr. Kristie Foell
Second Faculty Mentor
Dr. Susana Juarez
Abstract
Despite extensive academic research and media coverage on refugees and undocumented migrants in Spain, these narratives often remain disconnected. This gap raises concerns about whether research fully captures the lived realities of displaced individuals. This qualitative study examines whether existing literature aligns with the experiences of refugees in Alcálá de Henares, Spain. Structured interviews were conducted with a refugee center director, a volunteer Spanish teacher, a refugee, and an undocumented migrant. Findings indicate that while academic research generally reflects key aspects of the refugee experience, it often underrepresents a critical issue: the inability to access legal employment despite a strong desire to work. This challenge has profound impacts on autonomy, dignity, and integration, but receives less attention than factors like housing or institutional conditions. Additionally, perceptions of Spain as a welcoming country vary significantly depending on individual backgrounds and circumstances. This research highlights the necessity of integrating firsthand narratives into academic and policy discussions to bridge existing knowledge gaps and better inform supportive interventions for refugee communities.
Recommended Citation
How, Celia, "Discrepancies Between Policy and Lived Experience in Spain’s Immigration Framework" (2026). McNair Scholars Collection. 7.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/mcnair_scholars/7