ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Clear and Present Danger ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: A Clear and Present Danger Kleanthis Kyriakidis, PhDc MPA Harvard Kennedy School MA Middle East Studies MS Physical Oceanography

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Clear and Present Danger Outline/ Overview Introduction Categories Countries of Origin Perception of Peril The Failure of Artificial Obstacles Current Situation (EU – Greece) Policy Recommendations

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Clear and Present Danger Introduction Migration as a phenomenon Survival Hope of a better life European and American behaviour Preconditions Seek for a “new home” Sharing common values/ aspirations Greek behaviour Effect of the economic crisis

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Clear and Present Danger Categories Crossing the Borders Illegally Crossing the Borders Legally, but with Falsified Documents Born into Irregularity Not renewing visas or temporary residence and work permits Having to return to own countries but cannot for practical reasons

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Clear and Present Danger Countries of Origin Afghanistan (usually first) Pakistan (usually second) Tunisia (first in 2011 due to the “Arab Spring”) Syria (second in 2012 due to the “Arab Spring”) Bangladesh Albania (first European country)

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Clear and Present Danger

Perception of Peril Recent Survey in 6 EU countries: Germany 46% Italy 56% “legal immigrants responsible for the rise of criminal activities” Unemployment? Social Security System Labor exploitation? Pressure on Public Services Some Criminal Activities

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Clear and Present Danger

The Failure of Artificial Obstacles If Maritime Nation, Crossing Sea Borders More vulnerable, less controllable In distress (“men at sea”)! Displacement instead of Reduction (EU problem, not local!) Greek statistics “Do or Die” mentality Irregular migration as a by-product

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Clear and Present Danger Current Situation Both Fewer Incidents – Less Unauthorized Immigrants For the Wrong Reasons! Economic Crisis makes EU less desirable destination Ultra-Nationalism, Xenophobia, Islamophobia Greece MVP – (Most Vulnerable Point): Evros River, Sea Border, Albania Arab Spring!

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Clear and Present Danger

Policy Recommendations Synergy (FRONTEX cooperating with local Police) Combating traffickers through harsh punishments For Greece: 48 hours instead of 7 days “Decision to Leave Country” For EU: Change/ Abolish 2003/343/CE (“Dublin II”) Address the Root Causes

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Clear and Present Danger ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: A Clear and Present Danger Kleanthis Kyriakidis