Refugees are a part of American society, and, regardless of your feelings on letting more in, there are still many that currently live here. Refugees are important members of our society that we as citizens should welcome and help to integrate into our culture. Refugees deserve our support and care, and I can guarantee they would genuinely appreciate it.

1.They Just Want to Feel at Home

Refugees have had one of the most basic aspects of life stolen from them: home. Refugees just want at least have some part of that feeling of home to be reintegrated into their current life. There is no better way to make a refugee feel loved than to make them feel at home.

2. Their Whole Life Has Been a Struggle

For many refugees, this journey has been long. It has been a part of almost their entire life. One of the refugee families I worked with through a tutoring program had all of their children born at refugee camps. Not one child ever knew stability or had a true sense of safety. Their struggle could end or be lessened with love and care from those of us who haven't experienced hardship like theirs.

3.They Expect You Not to Care

Many refugees have been the oppressed or outcast part of society for their whole lives. They only know being questioned, disregarded, and not cared for. You have the opportunity to be the first person to show them how loving humans can be.

4. They Want to Contribute to Society

Every single refugee family I have ever worked with has had one or two jobs and has entered their children into school. They all take education very seriously, and they take work very seriously. It is incredibly important to them to become good citizens of our country, and supporting them in that is a great way to show them you believe in them.

5.They Didn’t Choose to Come Here

Not one refugee wanted to flee home. Many maybe wanted to come to the Untied States for a better life, but none of them necessarily wanted to leave because of the hatred or danger they were exposed to when they lived in their native country. No one wants to make the decision to leave the most familiar place they know. Many I have met were doctors, ESL teachers, lawyers, and established members of society in their own countries. They had everything they knew ripped away because of conflict or corrupt governments. While refugees are thankful to be here, the reason they arrived is something they never wanted.

6.They Add to the Beauty of the American Story

Refugees are an amazing part of America’s complex story and history. Being a part of the safety and security of those seeking shelter from around the world is something we should strive for as a country. America should be open to those who want to be good members of society, and refugees want to be a part of the story here. Open up your hearts, hear their stories, and help them become a part of America's story.