Negative image of migrants

The Greeks are divided on the provision of political rights

Public Issue Research

Divided in terms of extending civil rights to immigrants, but the criteria for citizenship, which raises the relevant bill, the Greeks appear in the investigation of Public Issue for the 'Kathimerini'. However, the overall picture is negative for immigrants with clear influences of the economic crisis.

In the traditional grounds for refusal as the "crime" and "deterioration of national identity, and now added another:" We offer the economy, supports a large proportion of respondents. Similar trends appear in other European countries.

Division for a vote of immigrants

Public Issue Increasing fear of refugees finds survey Public Issue

Maria Delithanasi

The lack of effective immigration and asylum policy leads to a systematic intensity of phobic syndromes of Greek society, concluded an investigation into the Public Issue for the 'K'. Six out of ten Greeks believe that immigration hurts the country, where two years ago one out of two Greeks believed that immigrants and refugees are damaging the country.

The Greek society believes that the migration now, harms the development of the Greek economy (59% in 2010 versus 47% in 2008) that alter the national identity of Greeks (57% in 2010 versus 47% in 2008), that deprives jobs by the Greeks (45% in 2010 vs. 39% in 2008). Fixed rate remains those who believe aliens responsible for the rise in crime (75%).

Increasing the number of refugees (from Africa and Asia) in recent years, coupled with the lack of coherent policy and legislation that create fear and insecurity, creating favorable conditions for the cultivation of right-wing views. Not accidentally, an alarmingly increasing rate per year (about 10%) believes that the state is not sufficiently "tough" with them. This year 72% of respondents stated that immigration policy is less strict than they should, from 63% last year.Meanwhile, the widespread feeling that the country has overcome the limits of endurance in "uninvited".

Some 88% felt that there should be a limit to the number of foreigners in the country, 60% felt that the country has exceeded the limits of endurance and 43% have the impression that more than two million (!) People. According to the average of subjective perceptions, the number of immigrants and refugees is estimated at 1,695,000 people. According to official figures the statutory amount to 980,000 and 280,000 estimated illegal.

Appears divided Greek society on the issue of immigrant rights. The polarization is clear: to 45% - 45% on the right to participate in elections and citizenship. As regards the conditions for granting citizenship, the public opinion is the same as what is defined in the bill: stable employment, long stay in the country, education, knowledge of Greek, while 50% considered essential birth in Greece. About the required years of legal residence in the country, the bill provides over 5 years (average of the former EU-15), the National Commission on Human Rights proposes 8 years and the public talking about 6-10 years