A Humanitarian Welcome to Syrian Refugees
In response to the Syrian civil war, the United States has offered to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees in 2016. The quota of all refugees to the U.S. for 2016, including the Syrians, is 85,000— a relatively low number in view of the millions of refugees fleeing war and persecution around the world.
By their opposition to this appropriate humanitarian gesture, Congressman Mike Turner. who represents Dayton and Ohio’s 10th District, and Ohio Governor Kasich are playing to our worst fears and meanest instincts.
By definition in international law, a refugee is someone who fears persecution because of their race, religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs and is forced from their home country to save their lives or preserve their freedom. In contrast, someone who chooses to leave his or her country for economic gain or a more comfortable life is not a refugee, but a migrant.
Refugees to the United States must apply and be accepted for entry before they arrive in the United States. After qualifying as a refugee, refugees must still pass strict security checks and be closely vetted. Those making the cut must be able to contribute to and be integrated into American society.
Competition for the 10,000 Syrian refugee slots to the United States will be intense Families and individuals with family members already in the U.S. will have an advantage. The ethnic and religious background of the applicants are considered if those were factors in their leaving their home country.
The images of desperate Syrians drowning in overloaded boats and being pushed back by barbed wire is exploited by those opposed to immigration. Refugees generally come to the United States from camps or other temporary facilities where they have been held for many months— if not years— and where they can be properly screened.
Let’s not turn our back on the small number of Syrian refugees who seek what we as Americans value for ourselves— life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Turning them away would not only compromise our own high ideals, but would deprive us of the contributions they can make to our communities.
Photo: United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) by A. McConnell
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