The hierarchy of Greekness

Abstract

This article discusses critically recent changes in Greek immigration policy with a special focus on immigrants of Greek ethnic descent. The study briefly presents the ambivalent character of Greek national identity, which is organized around an ethnogenealogical conception of the nation but has been trimmed by civic experience and political challenges over the past century. The interaction between ethnic, civic and policy concerns is also salient in the present context in which Greece is faced with increasing immigrant flows from non-EU countries. Different immigrant and refugee groups are organized in concentric circles around the ethnonational core, and hence a `hierarchy of Greekness' is constructed. This hierarchy is reflected in recent developments in Greek immigration policy where special provisions are taken for immigrants of Greek ethnic origin. More specifically, two groups are catered for; Pontic Greeks, who are classified in the law provisions as returnees, and Greek Albanians, whose Greek ethnic descent has been recently recognized. A thorough examination of policy provisions issued during the past couple of years shows a shift in the focus of Greek national identity. The change in the policy approach, prompted by integration into the EU and the presence of a large immigration population in the country, involves a redefinition of Greek identity.