Our nation has always been a nation that accepts those who come from other nations. Whether it was during the times of Ellis Island or during the modern era of immigration, the United States has always accepted those who felt the need to flee their country in pursuit of a better life. Since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, the United States was taken in 1,500 Syrian refugees. While that may see like a large number, you have to remember that the civil war has been going on for four years and so far four million refugees have been displaced. Out of all of the refugees currently needing help, the United States has helped .03%.I’m not suggesting that the United States needs to take in all four million of the displaced refugees, but we can certainly do better than 1,500. President Obama recently directed his administration to accept another 10,000 refugees in the upcoming year. This is certainly a step in the right direction, but I still think we could do better. Not only is it the right thing to do it would boost our reputation abroad.The reputation boost is more of an aesthetic point, but it is still a very strong perk. In the past years the global perception of the United States has become negative. Neither Presidents Bush nor Obama have helped the way the U.S. is perceived abroad. For once, we might trying doing the right thing because it is the right thing. Personally, I have no love for the Syrian people. I blame them for the situation they have put themselves in. They have a horrendous history of civil rights abuse. They have started several wars with Israel. They sponsor and harbor terrorists. As a nation, Syria isn’t a friendly state to America or Israel. During the Cold War they sided with Russia. In the recent twenty years they have been aligned with Iran and now once again with Russia. Syria is not our friend. But that doesn’t mean that all its people deserve the starvation and horrible living conditions they find themselves in. The civil war has caused a catastrophic humanitarian need. They need a place to go. Other nations need to do their part. We can’t loose sight of the potential security concerns. We have to be very careful of who we let into the U.S., but let them in we should. How many is a good question and one I can’t answer today. But do something we must. It is just the right thing to do.Your Free ResourcesDo you, a loved one, or friend need help with immigration?
