Evros fears new wave of illegals
Officials on Greece’s northeastern borders yesterday expressed fears that a recent wave of illegal immigration could swell considerably over the next few weeks if the level of the Evros River continues to drop, and urged action to deport illegal immigrants. Announcing a series of measures intended to improve living conditions at the immigrant reception centers in the Evros area, the regional governor, Giorgos Dolios, said tens of thousands of people could illegally cross the river – which marks Greece’s eastern land border with Turkey – in the near future. «We believe that there will continue to be great pressure with the arrival from Turkey of large numbers of illegal immigrants,» he said. «If no way is found to deport them, their number will constantly rise… reaching tens of thousands. These are people of a different culture who cannot easily adapt to Greek society. Despite its humanitarian feelings, our country cannot take in more illegal immigrants.» Over 2,500 immigrants currently live in reception centers in the Evros area. More than 250,000 people are expected to enter Greece illegally this year.
