Inmigrantes y autóctonos en el ámbito local: El caso de Jimena de la Frontera

Abstract

Through this work we intend to emphasize the importance of approaching the study of immigration from the local level. Our study centres on the municipality of Jimena de la Frontera (Cádiz). In the first part of the article we describe the evolution of immigration to this municipality: its origins, the settling of immigrants, which factors have contributed to the settlement, and its repercussions on social and economic life in Jimena. The second part is a reflection upon the need of taking the diversity of situations at the local level into account when planning an immigration policy, stressing the difficulties that may arise when trying to apply general policies to the peculiarities of a particular territory.