The Syrian refugee crisis is one of the biggest issues the world is currently facing. Over 4 million refugees have fled Syria due to the civil war that started in 2008 and attacks by ISIS. As one of the most developed nations in the country with the largest military and third largest economy, the United States is in the best position to help solve and take control of the situation. However, our nation has repeatedly failed to step up to the challenge. Of the 4 million refugees, the United States has only taken in 0.03%. Rather than facing the problem the United States seems to be isolating itself from the problem and refusing to get involved. This has forced other countries that do not have the resources or the infrastructure to deal with the problem simply because of geographic proximity; the lack of support from more developed nations has caused this crisis to spiral out of control. The United States needs to look to the past and remember Rwanda and the human cost of inaction.
The top four countries that have taken in the most Syrian refugees are Turkey, Greece and Jordan. These countries do not have the ability to deal with the large influx of refugees which harms both the host country and the refugees; for example one third of Jordan's population is refugees. The United States has only accepted 1500 refugees whereas Turkey has taken in close to 3 million and even Germany has taken in 800,000. One of the main arguments as to why the United States should not take in refugees is the fear that a select few could be terrorists and the Americans would have another Paris bombing on their hands. However, it is both naive and stereotypical to claim that all refugees and terrorists are one in the same. Additionally the United States has strict background checks that refugees must pass before they can enter the country. It is inhuman to let thousands of refugees die per day and force other countries to suffer much more that we would, when our nation can do something to help.
The United States is facing more pressure from the international community and their allies to fulfill their part in helping deal with this crisis. Even from a non-humanitarian and completely logical stance, the United States does gain something from taking in refugees: soft power. In the past the United States has gained soft power from resettling refugees and has used this increased diplomatic sway to their advantage. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, many are dying and other countries are stepping up. Its about time the United States follows in suit.
The author of "Our Part in the Syrian Refugee Crisis," from the USFG: One Vote One Voice blog, questions the actions (or lack thereof) of the United States regarding the welcoming of refugees. As stated, the U.S. has only accepted 1500 of 4 million refugees, a fraction of the number it could support. This fact harrows anyone who believes human life, regardless of where it comes from, should be valued, supported, and cherished. People are fleeing their homes and families, seeking sanctuary in foreign countries only to be greeted by closed doors and prejudice. Where is the justice in that?
ReplyDeleteThe author also argues that the U.S. has more abundant resources to take in refugees than the European and Middle Eastern countries currently carrying the bulk of the 4 million. Once again, as I mentioned in a previous post, the inhibition shown by the U.S. is founded in fear established by a criticizing media. Refugees are portrayed as burdens to a country, as dangerous criminals and terrorists seeking to further advance the destruction they left behind. It is illogical and inhumane to condemn their search for asylum. As mentioned by the author, taking in refugees would be a political win for the U.S., who would gain the favor of the countries pressuring it to do so and procure what is called “soft power.” Isolation is not going to help the U.S. thrive. Success comes from the communal support of allied countries and people.
Stories of refugees I have found online reveal the struggles they must undergo, their desire to work hard and assimilate into countries that restrict their advancement. If terrorism is what the U.S. fears, what better way to stop it than to show their support for refugees fleeing it as well? We are all on the same side. The narrow-minded prejudice of people who fear foreign influence is the barricade preventing the unity needed to overcome a common enemy.
The author of "Our Part in the Syrian Refugee Crisis," from the USFG: One Vote One Voice blog, questions the actions (or lack thereof) of the United States regarding the welcoming of refugees. As stated, the U.S. has only accepted 1500 of 4 million refugees, a fraction of the number it could support. This fact harrows anyone who believes human life, regardless of where it comes from, should be valued, supported, and cherished. People are fleeing their homes and families, seeking sanctuary in foreign countries only to be greeted by closed doors and prejudice. Where is the justice in that?
ReplyDeleteThe author also argues that the U.S. has more abundant resources to take in refugees than the European and Middle Eastern countries currently carrying the bulk of the 4 million. Once again, as I mentioned in a previous post, the inhibition shown by the U.S. is founded in fear established by a criticizing media. Refugees are portrayed as burdens to a country, as dangerous criminals and terrorists seeking to further advance the destruction they left behind. It is illogical and inhumane to condemn their search for asylum. As mentioned by the author, taking in refugees would be a political win for the U.S., who would gain the favor of the countries pressuring it to do so and procure what is called “soft power.” Isolation is not going to help the U.S. thrive. Success comes from the communal support of allied countries and people.
Stories of refugees I have found online reveal the struggles they must undergo, their desire to work hard and assimilate into countries that restrict their advancement. If terrorism is what the U.S. fears, what better way to stop it than to show their support for refugees fleeing it as well? We are all on the same side. The narrow-minded prejudice of people who fear foreign influence is the barricade preventing the unity needed to overcome a common enemy.