Tensions have been rising at migrant camps and gathering places across Greece, where more than 52,000 migrants are trapped after Balkan countries closed their borders two months ago to stem a growing flood of asylum seekers. More than one million migrants entered Europe last year, prompting European politicians to radically shift their immigration policy in a bid to shut the doors to large numbers of newcomers.
Since a European Union deal with Turkey to stem Europe’s migrant crisis went into effect on March 20, requiring mass deportations of migrants who arrived from Turkey after that date, tensions have intensified. At camps on Greek islands, deportations of migrants who crossed illegally from Turkey began last week, setting off a wave of anxiety among migrants who fear they may be among those facing a return to Turkey or, at least, stuck in Greece for the foreseeable future.