America is a country founded on immigration. Just about all of us would not be here today if it were not for our ancestors immigrating here from elsewhere. Since this country was founded on immigration, does the United States have a responsibility to allow Syrian refugees into the country?
To start, I am aware that immigrants and refugees are two completely different forms of residency status. Immigrants chose to resettle in a new country while refugees are forced from their homeland for their safety.
The next important thing to think about is if allowing these refugees into our country is the safest thing to do for both the refugees and American citizens. The big argument those opposed to allowing refugees into our country have is that there is no way of knowing whether or not they are actual refugees or if they are posing as one.
I do believe it is the role of our government to keep us safe. If there was a way to prevent any terrorist attacks or any mass-murders and shootings, I would expect our government to step in and protect us. But when it comes to Syrian refugees, is it safer to group all Syrians under one umbrella to say they are all terrorists because Americans automatically associate the Middle East with terrorists? My answer is no.
What good is done by stereotyping an entire area? All it does is further prove the stereotype that all Americans are ignorant to the rest of the world.
Like many others, I was a little uneasy when I found out Syrian refugees would be accepted into the Unites States. That feeling quickly changed, however.
First, I saw the harsh objection by citizens. The number of states that would allow refugees quickly dropped. Over 30 state governors said they will not allow any Syrian refugees into their state.
Second, I saw the actual numbers of refugees. Since 2012, there have been a total of 1,854 Syrian refugees admitted into the United States. In countries like Germany, which is accepting refugees, these numbers are close to the 100,000 range. If it makes you feel any better, though, President Obama would like to have 10,000 refugees admitted to the United States by the end of this year.
Third, I tried putting myself in the refugee’s shoes. I tried to imagine how I would feel if I were forced out of everything I really knew. What it would be like to walk thousands of miles of unknown territory, or take a boat ride along dangerous, frigid waters? What would happen if I had survived the journey just to be rejected? Where would I go from there? What would I do? Would I just keep going in hopes of eventually being accepted, or would I just give up all together? I can’t imagine what things these refugees have seen or experienced both in their homeland and on their journeys to what they hope is freedom.
I am not arguing that America needs to open its arms to any and all refugees wanting to come into the country. What I am arguing is that we as a country should not turn our backs to those in need. We should not hold prejudices to all Syrians without being given the opportunity to actually get to know them.
At the end of the day, sending financial aid just does not cut it.
