Sánchez links lower immigration to better security and housing

Sánchez admits less immigration means more security and cheaper housing

The statement, made by the president at a party event, has sparked controversy: "The autonomous community with the lowest percentage of immigrant population is also the safest and has the most affordable housing." Without naming regions, INE data points to Extremadura as the candidate, with a 4% immigration rate –the lowest in Spain– and housing prices around €800/m², compared to €3,000/m² in Madrid or Barcelona.

Supporters see a logical correlation: less demographic pressure, lower crime, and ample housing supply. Critics argue causality isn't automatic and factors like per capita income or public investment weigh more. "If (immigration.min()) { security.max(); housing.price.min() }", a user joked on social media, summarizing the argument in one line of code.

No one disputes that housing prices in Extremadura are 40% below the national average, and the crime rate is 30% lower according to the latest Crime Balance. The question remains whether immigration is the key variable or just a statistical coincidence. Meanwhile, the Government prepares a plan to redistribute immigrants from high-concentration areas to regions like Extremadura, reopening the debate on its impact on security and the real estate market.

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With these elements, Sánchez's claim isn't false but is an oversimplification ignoring multiple variables. A striking fact: Extremadura has Spain's highest unemployment (18%) and lowest income (€18,500/year), suggesting local economics, rather than immigration, explain housing affordability.