Pathways to family formation of international migrants in Spain

Albert Esteve, Centre d'Estudis Demogràfics
Alberto del Rey, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Clara Cortina, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)

This paper uses recently released data from the National Immigrant Survey (n = 15.465) to examine pathways to family formation of international migrants in Spain. The objective is twofold. First, we provide descriptive insights into the family formation trends for the 3 largest immigration groups in Spain (Ecuadorians, Morroccans and Rumanians) and 4 continental groupings. We take into account the time and place of union formation and the marital status at the time of arrival. Second, we use event history analysis to examine individual, family, and contextual background factors on (i) entry into marriage or cohabitation in Spain and on (ii) marrying (or cohabiting with) a Spaniard. Results will contribute to validate and extend existing knowledge based on cross-sectional data with almost no biographical information (i.e. census, labor force surveys and vital registration data) and to address critical questions with regard to the assimilation and integration of international migrants in Spanish society.