A TOP-DOWN MODEL OF TRANSNATIONAL IMMIGRANT ASSOCIATIONISM: Migrant organizations in the definition of development and integration policies in Madrid

Spain has eased the irruption of migrant organizations in a remarkable short period of time. Migrant associations have had, and still have, a distinguished position vis à vis public authorities in designing and influencing the definition of integration policies. Integration plans in Spain have so far given priority to both associations as representatives of stakeholders and to co-development as a key element for the incorporation of immigrants in Spain. As a result, associations have developed intense ties with the public administrations at all levels. We define this whole approach as top-down model stimulating the establishment of transnational ties among migrant organizations. The paper analyses the organizational features that give priority access to public resources to some organizations and how this, at its time, eases the implementation of transnational strategies including co-development and contact with officials at the highest level in countries of origin.