Resumen

DELGADO MONTALDO, David. Perceptions of immigration and integration in Costa Rica. Pap. poblac [online]. 2008, vol.14, n.57, pp.65-91. ISSN 2448-7147.

Costa Rica is clearly a receiving nation in terms of migration, which distinguishes it from the rest of the region's countries at least in proportional terms. At the moment, the weight of immigrants who have definitive or temporary residence in the country is around 12 percent of total population; most of them are Nicaraguans, although the presence of Colombians has increased in recent years. The human and social capital of immigrants is differenced according to their origin, as well as that of the local or native population. Taking into account the local perceptions of immigration, and the role of the Costa Rican State on this phenomenon, this article presents a discussion and analyzes the processes of integration of the Nicaraguan and Colombian immigrants into Costa Rica.

Palabras llave : international migration; immigrant integration; local perceptions of immigration; migratory policies; Costa Rica.