Over 13.5 million Syrians need humanitarian assistance. 4.3 million Syrians are refugees, and 6.6 million are displaced within Syria; half are children. The Syrian refugee crisis is the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II. As the United States plans to increase its intake of Syrian refugees to 10 million next year, concerns of finding the balance between national security and compassion for the refugees linger.

Security

Syrians are fleeing their homes for three reasons: violence, collapsed infrastructure, and children’s safety. At least 250,000 people have been killed in Syria’s civil war. Education, healthcare systems, and other infrastructure have been destroyed leaving the economy shattered. Syrian children have lost loved ones, suffered injuries, witnessed the violence and brutality of war, missed years of schooling, and have been used as fighters by warring parties. Those leaving ISIS territory definitely have a good reason to flee.

However, we also must acknowledge the danger of infiltrators coming among the refugees. ISIS has made it clear they intend to attack the United States as they have done to France. Although there have been failed terrorist efforts here in the United Stances since 9/11, it only takes one successful attempt to cause the kind of tragedy that cost the lives of thousands of people, like 9/11 14 years ago. We cannot dismiss the ambition of ISIS to take advantage of the refugee crisis.

Currently, there are two mediums for a refugee to enter the United States: travel to the border and claim asylum, or through the refugee resettlement process. The United Nations is the deciding factor on which refugees will be resettled based on two things: the urgency of their case and where they currently have family. If chosen for the United States, they still must undergo rigorous security checks. This process consists of multiple interviews and background checks and can take up to two years to complete. There are several limitations to this process right now. One concern is that there is a wide intelligence gap and lack of intelligence available from Syria in general. There is less information to confirm or contradict details in a refugee’s interview.

The main issue is not that someone suspicious could get sent through, but that there’s not information on someone and they get interviewed, and with the lack of evidence, it’s hard to disprove information. Yes, this may be an issue with most refugees’ country of origin, but Syria is a special case because of the jihadist groups plotting against the United States. It’s in the United States best interest to protect our national security for our citizens and focus on restructuring the screening processes to ensure only qualified, peaceful refugees enter the United States.

Compassion

America has always been known for its diversity and inclusion of other cultures. Any peaceful culture that desires freedom and wishes to abide by the American constitution and liberties, should be welcomed with open arms. That being said, all people must be screened to ensure the safety of all Americans. We cannot allow cultures into the United States that want to change our way of life, our constitution, or our form of law. Once individuals or families that arrive in the United States pass the screening process we must open our hearts and minds, and provide them with the means both financially and medically to become prosperous citizens in our country. This means providing state and federal funding for jumpstart programs so that these people can start making lives for themselves and contributing to the American way of life.

For those families already settled in America, we must show them kindness and an understanding of their humanitarian plight. We, as Americans have an obligation to help these people understand our way of life, while at the same time understanding and respecting their culture. Empathize with these people, they have been through trials and tribulations to make it into our country. We must find a way forward in addressing the current refugee crisis that incorporates national security and compassion. Both are justified. Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving.