In the aftermath of a heated election, many Americans feel more divided than ever, with every topic now suddenly being a declaration of Democratic or Republican allegiance. And at the crux of this division, is the issue of refugees. Though the topic isn't new, it is more polarized now, and it is clear that the lives of mass groups of people can no longer be a cornerstone in political debates, but now requires definitive action.

With the rise of radical Islamic extremist groups, such as ISIS, there is a large population of (predominantly) Muslim Middle-Eastern refugees. It is clear that these people need asylum, and yet, what is unseen is how it can be done. Many refugees have been sent to European countries, which, despite the best intents, has proven problematic.

For one, there is an economic concern. Introducing such a large population into an established society so suddenly creates financial instability because, quite simply, there are too many people and not enough jobs to go around, unfortunately. And in several countries, refugees are not allowed to work for precisely that reason; to keep jobs that are available for native citizens. Though there is financial assistance, typically that is not enough.

However, at this point, political rhetoric would tell you that so many unemployed people, that are ostracized unless they rapidly assimilate to their host-culture, would turn to crime. Some political discourse mass generalizes all refugees as criminals. However, despite the cultural fear of people who are different, and of economic instability, sociological and criminological evidence would suggest that the majority of immigrants and refugees are not threats for three reasons:

1. It's a selective population; most who enter a country do so seeking opportunity and safety, and thus are typically ideal people to seek citizenship.

2. They already have established connections; most immigrants have family or friends that immigrated to a country prior to them and can help ease the transition of moving and encourage assimilation.

3. Unfortunate, though true, many immigrants and refugees are afraid of having their citizenship revoked or their asylum denied, and wouldn't want to jeopardize it with criminal activity.

But that still doesn't address the real question: what should be done? To that, I don't know. It would be wrong to say conservative rhetoric isn't valid; looking out for one's best interest isn't inherently wrong, and wanting every native citizen to be safe and employed isn't a bad goal. However, blaming the lack of such things on immigrants is a form of scapegoating that is both without merit, and inappropriate.

Similarly, it would be wrong to dismiss more liberal discourses on the fight for human rights. If one person isn't free, is anybody? Needless to say, a choice must be made. Debating people's lives has become an unproductive form of silence. And as we all know too well, silence is an act of violence, no matter how well intended.