In light of all the horrible events that are happening around the world, in Syria, many citizens have been forced out of their homes and are constantly in search of shelter and safety every day. For some background on this issue, CNN provided fast facts for the issues stating that in the spring of 2011, Syrian citizens started protesting for democracy for the country. After conflict between security forces and protesters increased, citizens strongly fought for the resignation of President Assad. This opposition has created an internal civil war that has changed the lives of all the citizens since.
After this civil war has started, Syrian citizens have faced many critical conditions and as winter months approach, many Syrians, including children, are at a greater risk than ever.
Specifically, the biggest risks for children and migrating citizens are:
1. Malnutrition and disease
2. Child and low wage labor
3. Sexual exploitation
4. Lack of education
Recently, The United States has been called upon to act as an aid for these refugees trying to flee the country. After more than half of U.S. state governors openly stated that they would refuse refugees within their state, a bill passed in the House of Representatives to pause the number of Syrian refugees that the U.S. would accept. The bill, The American Safe Act of 2015, must pass through the senate before it reaches the president, who has openly claimed that he will veto the bill when presented to him. As America was founded on the foundation of immigrants traveling to the U.S., it is incredibly hypocritical that we refuse to help others who are in need. As it is very important to keep the U.S. safe, it surely would not be that easy for a person of security threat to enter into the country under the passage of these refugees entering. While President Obama has called for 10,000 refugees to enter, there are upwards 25,000 refugees who are looking to find security out of Syria. Out of this number, only 10,000 would be granted admission to come in after immense screening and background checks through government service lists that happen before a person could even get past the refugee camp stage, where detailed processes for the screening stage are listed on the State Department's Screening Process special briefing. Another important point to understand is that of this 10,000 people that President Obama would like to intake, most of them are women and children.
Trust me, I understand that ISIS is an incredible threat to many countries around the world, which is a separate issue that needs to be addressed. But here’s the reality: ISIS is not going to stop just because the U.S. decides not to let refugees in. In fact, they are probably happier that we might not because that now leaves thousands of vulnerable people, looking for a place to turn, with possibly some that resent that the U.S., Land of The Free, wants nothing to do with them. For the U.S. to fear and refuse refugees is exactly what ISIS wants, and we are giving it to them. We are indirectly showing opposition to Muslims and people in need, which is the opposite of what America is about. Not allowing refugees into U.S. forces migrants to turn to other war-torn European countries that are either just at risk for ISIS recruiters, or even more so. With this in mind, doesn’t it seem like a better idea to bring them to a camp where they can escape this and be screened to enter the country and escape the threat they were previously exposed to?
Commonly, people tend to associate European refugees and Muslims with ISIS, which is very unfair considering many of them are trying to find safety from the terror group, just as we are. To understand the perspective of these refugees, imagine a crisis happening in your state, which forced you and your family to be removed from your home with just the clothes on your back and the few items you could grab on your way out. As you and your neighbors try to find safety, you find out that that the countries you are trying to turn to are only accepting limited numbers of people, forcing you and your family to split up, or they will not allow you passage whatsoever. As you are wandering on the streets alone looking for food and somewhere to sleep, you hear that a group like ISIS who can guarantee you a new life, food, and shelter. While maybe you may not want to go through with this, you finally have people who can help you stay alive and “give you better opportunity.” This is exactly why we need to let refugees into the U.S. Situations like this is happening every single day. The U.S. obviously cannot be the sole provider in fixing this issue, but we can definitely start to make a change. Instead of refusing people who are suffering, we should be spending our time working on economic plans and projects to make it possible.
Whether you are for or against the passage of refugees into the U.S., it is important to spread awareness of the immigration issues that are happening around the world. While many of you are reading this from the security of your warm homes or safety of your universities, think about the many people who are searching to find safety, food, and shelter tonight to sleep, or even just warmth for their children. At the end of the day, no one should have to face the tragedy that these refugees continue to face each day. While you may be thinking, what can I do to affect this situation, informing others, spreading awareness, and just learning about the issue is the biggest start. There are a number of articles and resources available that can enlighten you on the issue. Take the time out of your busy day and learn and tell others about this worldwide issue that is happening at this very moment. As the strongest country in the world, we should not be backing down this easily for a crisis this great.
