U.S. Deports 211 Greek Nationals

A total of 211 Greek nationals are listed in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) database, which tracks foreign nationals who have received a final deportation order but are not currently detained.

The list includes a total of 1,445,549 foreign nationals who have been issued a final deportation order as of November 24, 2024.

However, ICE has not provided specific explanations for individual cases regarding why their repatriation has been delayed or remains difficult.

Reasons for Deportation Delays

There are several reasons why ICE may not be able to complete deportations. ICE is authorized to remove foreign nationals from the U.S. who are subject to a final deportation order issued by an immigration judge. These include individuals who have either not expressed fear of returning to their country or whose claims have been denied by an immigration judge.

Additionally, there are various obstacles to removing a non-U.S. citizen with a final deportation order. Non-citizens may seek forms of protection from deportation, such as asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture. If any of these forms of protection are granted, ICE cannot proceed with deportation.

The Department of Homeland Security believes that every country is responsible for accepting the return of its citizens and nationals who do not have the right to remain in the U.S. The lack of cooperation from foreign governments has often delayed or prevented deportations.

U.S. Demands Compliance from Foreign Governments

The U.S. government is urging foreign nations to take necessary steps to confirm the nationality of their citizens in the U.S. This includes conducting interviews, issuing travel documents in a timely manner, and accepting the physical return of their nationals through commercial or charter flights.

Greek Nationals and Foreign Passports

Among those Greek nationals facing deportation, many are actually foreigners, such as Albanians, who have obtained Greek passports. The U.S. immigration system is tightening enforcement under policies that seek to remove illegal immigrants who do not qualify for asylum or other forms of protection.

With stricter immigration laws under Trump-era policies, the U.S. continues to enforce deportations and seeks to hold foreign governments accountable for repatriating their nationals.

Non-Cooperative Countries

A lack of cooperation from certain countries in accepting the return of their nationals has led ICE to designate them as non-cooperative or at risk of non-compliance.

Currently, ICE considers 15 countries as non-cooperative:

• Bhutan

• Burma

• Cuba

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Eritrea

• Ethiopia

• Hong Kong

• India

• Iran

• Laos

• Pakistan

• People’s Republic of China

• Russia

• Somalia

• Venezuela

Additionally, ICE has identified 11 countries as being at risk of non-compliance:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Burkina Faso

• Cambodia

• Gabon

• Gambia

• Iraq

• Jamaica

• Nicaragua

• South Sudan

• Saint Lucia

• Vietnam