Presentation of the results of the research project “Needs of immigrants that help to build the society of Ponferrada and the Bierzo region”
The City Council of Ponferrada and the SALBIS Research Group of the University of León have developed a project to understand the perception of immigrants towards the city. This project arises in a context where migration, a phenomenon rooted in the history of mankind, is revealed as a complex web of individual and social motivations. In Ponferrada, the diversity is remarkable, with 84 nationalities represented and an immigrant population of 1,541 men and 1,814 women. Nationalities such as Colombians, Portuguese, Moroccans, Dominicans and Romanians stand out in the immigrant community, enriching the cultural and demographic diversity of the region.
The objective of this project was to analyze and understand the perception of immigrants towards the city of Ponferrada and the Municipal Police, as well as to evaluate their vision of security in the city. For this purpose, a set of recorded semi-structured interviews were conducted with 51 immigrants from diverse backgrounds.
The results reveal that immigrants generally feel welcome and safe in Ponferrada, describing a positive integration and cordial relations with the Municipal Police. However, isolated episodes of discrimination have been identified, highlighting the need to address cultural stigmas and promote equitable policing practices. The diversity of nationalities in Ponferrada reinforces the importance of intercultural understanding and peaceful coexistence. This project not only documents the reality of migration in Ponferrada, but also offers critical insights to improve community strategies and public policies, thus promoting a more inclusive and safe society.
