Recent events in France are far from the reality of immigrants in Greece. Migrants in Greece do not in any way identify with the outrage of youths in poor districts in France. They are sorry about what happened.

“It shouldn’t have happened,” said Valentinos from Albania. “They are right and wrong,” added his compatriot Yiannis. Marcos from Kenya doesn’t believe that the situation in Greece will reach the stage it has in France. “Yes it’s sad that such things have happened. We came to Greece for a better life. We are grateful to the country. It’s a pity when matters deteriorate to such an extent. Worse things happen,” he said.

These youths are the first generation of immigrants in Greece. They are not Greek citizens and they feel gratitude to the country that has taken them in. What will happen, however, 20 years from now if their hopes are dashed and their children become second-class Greek citizens?