Research Institute for European and American Studies
Newsletter on Immigration to Greece
Editor: Ioannis Kolovos
New government plans to grant citizenship to 2nd generation immigrants
The new PM Mr Alexis Tsipras, presenting his government's programmatic statements, emphasized that the Bill granting citizenship to 2nd generation immigrants will be promptly forwarded to the Parliament.
Mr Tsipras' speech can be read in full here (in Greek only)
Foreigners constitute the absolute majority of inmates in Greek prisons
According to relevant data 60.4% of all inmates in Greek prisons are foreigners. This is another indication of the link between illegal immigration and serious crime.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 11/2/2015) can be read here (in Greek only)
New deputy Minister for Citizens' Protection wants to retain the fence in Evros but with..."openings"!
New deputy Minister for Citizens' Protection Mr Yiannis Panoussis spoke in favour of the fence in Evros, which minimized the inflow of illegal immigrants, but recommended that it should have "openings" in order for refugees to pass safely. Unfortunately, Mr Panoussis did not clarify how the refugees will be told apart from illegal immigrants upon their arrival at these "openings"! Finally, Mr Panoussis said that "a multicultural society needs a multicultural police" and recommended the admission of immigrants to the Hellenic Police at a percentage of 5%.
About 100,000 immigrant children to obtain Greek citizenship
The new Bill on citizenship, which is being drawn up by the government, is expected to affect about 100,000 immigrant children.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 15/2/2015) can be read here (in Greek only)
Amygdaleza detention center to be closed
Deputy Minister for Citizen's Protection Mr Yiannis Panoussis and deputy Minister for Immigration Policy Ms Tasia Christodoulopoulou announced the closure of the detention center for illegal immigrants at Amygdaleza. Their plan is to turn all detention centers in open hospitality centers.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 17/2/2015) can be read here (in Greek only)
Any other bright ideas?
New deputy Minister for Citizens' Protection Mr Yiannis Panoussis recommended the break-up of the Schengen Treaty by opening Greece's borders and sending 500,000 illegal immigrants to other European countries (!!) in order to raise EU's awareness of the issue (!!). Naivety or something else?
The relevant article (Avgi, 19/2/2015) can be read here (in Greek only)
Legalization through the back door?
New deputy Minister for Citizens' Protection Mr Yiannis Panoussis proposed the granting of work permits to the illegal immigrants who will be released from detention centers. Such a decision will constitute a quasi-legalization of illegal immigrants as they will also have to be given tax and social security ids. Moreover, such a move will undercut the wages and the job market prospects of already legalized immigrants.
The relevant article (Avgi, 21/2/2015) can be read here (in Greek only)
Deputy Minister for Immigration Policy interview
The new deputy Minister for Immigration Policy Ms Tasia Christodoulopoulou gave an interview providing further insights in her views on immigration, asylum and citizenship.
The interview (Kathimerini, 22/2/2015) can be read here (in Greek only)
Ioannis Kolovos commented on Mr Panoussis' views on immigration
The editor of this newsletter pointed out the lack of serious thinking behind the new deputy Minister for Citizens' Protection views on the handling Greece's illegal immigration issue.