How Money, Race and Religion Determine the Fate of Europe-Bound #Migrants - WSJ
▻http://www.wsj.com/articles/for-migrants-origins-often-determine-fate-1439769526
“Syrians are refugees, the others are immigrants,” said Zacharoula Tsirigoti, head of the border-protection branch at the Greek police Friday, when asked why the Kos ferry would host only Syrians.
In other parts of Europe, governments are arguing that Christians should get assistance because they share similar values to the local population. Most recently, the Slovak government said it would only help resettle Christian refugees.
[...]
Smugglers there aim to maximize profits through a web of extortion, abuse and ultimately price differentiation.
“Syrians have put more money together, they are able to pay more so they’re placed at the top level of the boat and sometimes even buy life jackets,” said Ms. Malakooti of Altai Consulting.
“Sub-Saharans are put in the hulls. If the boat takes water, they’re the first to drown,” she added.
[...]
African Christian migrants said Libyan smugglers abused them out of racism or hatred for Christianity.