Patterns of international migration in the Santiago Metropolitan Area] - characterization of the immigrants's social space and contributions to the national policy debate

Abstract

International migration to Chile and to the Santiago Metropolitan Area (SMA), its major point of attraction, is a rather recent phenomenon which is gaining more and more attention. According to the latest population census the number of foreigners who were born abroad and permanently live in Chile, has increased by 75% between 1992 and 2002. Parallel to this, the national policy debate about immigration is becoming more intensive. However, until now there is only little evidence concerning the patterns of international migration and the characterization of the immigrants social space. This study is oriented towards reducing this deficit...