Columbia SIPA Students Exploring Migration Governance in Greece

Under the guidance of Prof. Walter Miller, who has served as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service for more than 20 years and has been teaching at Columbia since 2017,  the students participated in a series of high-level discussions and field visits, exploring issues around asylum procedures, legal protections, and regional migration governance.

Engaging with Local Entities

During their visit, students participated in a diplomatic roundtable at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), where they were informed by diplomats from eight European countries and officials of the EU Commission about migration and integration policies. These discussions provided a comparative perspective on asylum policies, integration challenges and opportunities, and migration governance across Europe. The diplomats shared their expertise on legal pathways to migration, key labor industries attracting migrant workers, policies governing seasonal employment, and broader EU migration policies. This exchange allowed students to ask their questions and gain a deeper understanding of the different national approaches to migration management and the complexities of coordinating policies at the European level.
Students also met with representatives from the Ministry of Migration & Asylum, gaining insight into national policies and Greece’s evolving approach to migration. Conversations with NGOs such as HIAS highlighted the importance of legal aid and protection for asylum seekers, while meetings with UNHCR and EPLO delved into asylum procedures and regional migration frameworks.
 

Field Visit to Lesvos 

A key highlight of the program was a field visit to the island of Lesvos in the Eastern Aegean, a frontline location in Europe’s migration landscape. Students engaged with UNHCR and local NGOs, learning about ongoing refugee support initiatives and the critical role of humanitarian organizations. They also visited the Closed Controlled Access Center, where they observed asylum procedures in practice and gained a deeper understanding of the lived realities of displaced populations.

Columbia SIPA’s engagement in Greece

This field experience was not only a transformative learning opportunity for students—providing them with direct exposure to the complexities of migration governance—but also a meaningful exchange for the Columbia Global Center in Athens. The visit reinforced Columbia SIPA’s presence in Greece, strengthening ties between local organizations, policymakers, and academic institutions.

By bridging academic inquiry with real-world challenges, this initiative highlights the Athens Center’s commitment to fostering impactful engagement on pressing global issues.