Political developments in both the country of origin as well as in the host
country during the second half of the 20th century, not only played a
decisive role in the Greeks’ immigration mobility, but also determined the
immigrants’ everyday life in the host country to an important degree.
The narratives regarding the reform of immigration legislations, the election
of Pierre Trudeau, the Quiet Revolution in Quebec, the referendums about the
enforcement of the French language, all outline discourses concerning the
sense of belonging. On the other hand, the demonstrations during the period
of dictatorship in Greece, or about the Cyprus Dispute, record times of crisis
for the Greek community, essentially testifying as to how contact with the
“fatherland” is conducted and how “national” identity is informed in each
historical, social and political context.
