Interactions between Fertility and Migration for Foreign Immigrants in Spain

Xiana Bueno, Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (CED)
Daniel Devolder, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

This is a study of interactions between fertility and migration for foreign populations living in Catalonia (Spain) in 2007. By interactions we understand not only the effects of the migratory movements on reproductive behaviors, but also their fertility behavior at the place of origin may be a determinant of the migration process. In order to study these interactions, the whole reproductive life of migrants has been considered, i.e., before and after the main migratory event. A retrospective survey with complete childbearing histories is used, for both native and foreign born women. We compute age-specific fertility rates and duration of stay specific risk of birth. The results are analyzed taking into account age at migration, continent of origin and union status at time of migration.