Immigrant Self-Advocacy and Local Politics across Three European Cities: Case Studies from Girona, Sofia, and Athens

This article explores the intrinsic factors influencing immigrant participation in local policymaking in four European cities: Girona (Spain), Sofia (Bulgaria), and Athens (Greece). While national policies, legal frameworks, and societal attitudes play significant roles in shaping political opportunities for immigrants, urban centers are increasingly adopting proactive approaches to integration and diversity. In these cities, immigrant populations, concentrated in urban areas and close to local decision-making processes, can engage through various channels such as voting, neighborhood councils, and advocacy organizations. This study addresses key questions about how immigrants are involved in local policymaking, the conditions under which they organize, and the internal dynamics within immigrant communities that influence their participation.

Based on political process theory, the study argues that immigrant political engagement is a dynamic and interactive process shaped by multiple actors and collective negotiations. The research utilizes a mixed-method approach, including six focus groups, fifteen qualitative interviews, and a three-wave online survey with immigrants involved in Self-Advocacy Teams (SAT). The findings highlight concerns about under-representation and limited political engagement among immigrants. While national and local dynamics play crucial roles, internal factors within immigrant communities significantly affect their success in political participation. Three key internal factors are identified: the strength of relational networks, which either facilitate or hinder engagement; framing processes, which shape how immigrants articulate and mobilize around collective concerns; and leadership patterns, which influence the effectiveness and representativeness of advocacy groups. These insights emphasize the need to understand the internal dynamics within immigrant communities to facilitate their political participation at the local level.