From the influence of social darwinism to the reign of human rights. Immigration in chile between 1907 and 2018

Abstract

We analyze the migration policies implemented by the State of Chile between two milestones in the migratory explosion, 1907 and 2018, at which the national population censuses recorded the highest percentages of foreigners in the country. To do this, we study Chilean immigration regulations, with their corresponding contexts: The context in 1907, with the influence of so-called social Darwinism that influenced racism, society’s xenophobia, and in 2018, with the incidence of human rights in national legislation and with the persistence of elements perceived in 1907. This convergence of ideas in society and State actions applies to extra-continental immigration segments in 1907 and continental immigration groups in 2018.