Liberal Ideology

Since the onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has identified nearly five million displaced people. Debate throughout the world, and especially in the US, has centered on what exactly to do with this mass influx of refugees seeking a new life outside of war-torn Syria. Other European and Middle-Eastern countries have done already done their part; Turkey has accepted 2.2 million, Lebanon 1.6 million, and Jordan six hundred and thirty thousand. We should welcome them with open arms; it’s our responsibility as Americans and as human beings.

Central to the opposition for allowing refugees into America is fear of Paris-esque terror attacks on our home soil. In reality, refugees, especially those hailing from Syria, are vetted more than any other immigrant before arriving in the US. The vetting process includes background checks and interviews with nine different government agencies. This process takes at least 18 months. It would be much easier for a potential terrorist to enter the country by, for example, applying for a green card. Contrary to popular belief, multiple sources including the International Monetary Fund, have proven that migrants and refugees actually improve the economies of the countries they immigrate to. The Migration Policy Institute has also shown that of the 784,000 refugees admitted to the US since 9/11, only two people have been arrested for terrorist activities, and neither of those people were responsible for harming anyone. That’s a rate significantly lower than the percentage of American citizens arrested for terrorism.

Regardless of the potential risks, accepting refugees is our ethical responsibility, as it is for all wealthy countries around the world. This nation was built on immigrants, on those fleeing persecution and war. Turning our backs on those who need us most is as hypocritical as it is cruel and unworthy of a nation that claims to be a force for good, for justice, for compassion. We claim to be a people of principle, of empathy and conscience, let’s act like it. Accepting refugees is our nation’s moral prerogative.