Do second generation immigrants integrate?

A new study by the National University of Athens indicates that the majority of first generation immigrants and a very significant minority of second generation immigrants (40-50%) have difficulties integrating in Greek society.

The study can be found here (in Greek only)

An article by Ioannis Kolovos, publicized in the May issue of “Stratigiki” magazine, commenting on the study’s findings can be read here (in Greek only)

Migration Policy Institute is shut down

The government has decided to shut down the MPI accusing it of wasting funds in foreign visits and conferences without providing any serious reporting and study of the immigration phenomenon. The MPI responsibilities will be taken up by the Ministry of Interior’s General Secretariat of Immigration Policy.

A relevant article (Ta Nea, 14/5/2010) can be read here (in Greek only)

The truth is that an institute such as the MPI is badly needed in Greece in order to provide an objective, authoritative and scientific view on such a complex issue. Unfortunately, the MPI did not produce much original research – it just funded some outsourced studies. These studies were characterized to some extent by pro-immigration bias and the MPI functioned as a mouthpiece which provided a ‘scientific’ gloss on government policies. Greece’s failure to deal effectively with the issue of immigration is partly due to the inadequacies of the MPI.

Greece and Turkey agree on the readmission of illegal immigrants.

The Greek Minister for Citizen’s Protection Mr Michalis Chryssochoides and the Turk Minister of Interior Mr Beşir Atalay have signed a bilateral agreement regarding the readmission to Turkey of illegal immigrants who make it to Greece through the Turkish borders. The question is whether Turkey will keep their part of the agreement. Previous experience on the issue makes us quite skeptical.

The relevant press release by the Ministry for Citizen’s Protection can be read here (in Greek only)

Is another amnesty for illegal immigrants under way?

According to a newspaper report (Kathimerini, 15/5/2010) the government is contemplating the possibility to offer social and economic rights to illegal immigrants who cannot be repatriated and to asylum seekers. Their number is estimated at 200,000-250,000 people. No matter how the government calls it, it sounds very much like – yet another- amnesty!

The relevant article can be read here (in Greek only)

Every cloud has a silver lining

The economic crisis in Greece may lead to immigrants returning to their home countries and may also stem the tide of illegal immigration.

Relevant articles (Kathimerini and Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia, 16/5/2010) can be found below (in Greek only)