The United States government plans to allow 10,000 Syrian refugees fleeing their country’s civil war into the U.S. in the coming year. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback recently issued an executive order instructing Kansas agencies to not fund, cooperate or aid in any way, the resettling of these refugees within the Kansas borders. Brownback’s main concern is the safety of Kansas citizens and, to that end, will not allow any possibility of danger from Syrian terrorist groups posing as refugees. While Brownback has expressed his unfavorable opinion concerning the screening process for applying for refugee status, he has also taken actions that are heartless and unsympathetic.
Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011, only 2,200 refugees have been granted refugee status in the United States. Of those 2,200, approximately half been children, 2.5 percent have been elderly and only 2 percent have been in the category viewed as “single, male of combat age.” By refusing to assist the people who are fleeing Syria, Brownback and other state officials are showing a lack of faith in the federal refugee screening process, which undermines the power, obligation and long-standing tradition of America as a place of refuge for foreigners fleeing persecution.
The United Stated has been a sanctuary and a haven for people who are unable to return to their home country for fear of personal injury or death. In fact, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, which sets the boundaries and is the starting point for the refugee process, clearly echoes the intent of the U.S.’ long-held position on refugees.
In addition to meeting standards set forth by the UNHCR, applicants seeking refugee status in the U.S. most pass an extremely stringent screening process that takes 18 to 24 months. The screening process is even longer for Syrian refugees, because of the increased risk. While there is a fear of terrorist slipping through the cracks due to a lack of information about Syrian citizens, and the lack of a diplomatic presence in the country, the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and other federal agencies have developed a screening process based on the most modern methods and lessons learned.
Due to the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, some U.S. state government officials are being extremely cautious in matters related to state security. While the events in France are tragic, it is unwise to overreact without re-assessing the threat in the U.S. and comparing our processes to those of France. Additionally, we should not let fear dictate the actions of a government whose entire basis for existence stems from providing a home to foreigners. Any time a country such as the U.S. resolves to grant refuge and sanctuary to foreign citizens who are truly suffering, the actions required to do so bear inherent risk. The truth, however, is that we can and should provide refuge as long as we are doing our due diligence in providing security for our own citizens.
Kansas is not the only state government taking this position on the Syrian refugee crisis. Almost half of the U.S. state governors are refusing to cooperate in the resettlement of Syrian refugees. Obviously there is a legitimate concern with terrorism and with the terrorist use of the refugee program to gain access to the U.S. Another tragedy, however, is using the bloodshed in Paris to sow fear in the U.S. and to neglect our duty as a free society in helping those who need us.
