Opinions Piece

Syrian Refugee Crisis

      Today in Syria, a horrific civil war is taking place. Many of the citizens are trying to flee their homes to seek a safer life in Europe or in the United States. I can't imagine what they are going through, but I know they should be able to find a place of refuge and not be denied the opportunity of a better future.

     Since 2011, the year the war started, over 250,000 Syrians have been killed and millions have fled, according to CNN. The process of escaping war isn't easy for anyone, refugees still face dangers in their journey to a different country, especially countries who refuse to let them enter.

     According to The Boston Globe, migrants and refugees seeking safety have to cross deadly seas, avoid tear gas and beatings, and must endure long and challenging hikes to arrive at their destination, which might not even accept them. Nothing about what these people are doing should be looked over or ignored, they are simply trying to protect themselves and their family.

     Some citizens of the U.S. don't agree with letting Syrians live in our country because they think that the refugees might be dangerous terrorists or members of ISIS. Because of all the events that occurred around the world related to ISIS attacks, people assume that some of the Syrian refugees are ISIS members. This assumption shouldn't be made about people who are just trying to survive their war-consumed country.

     Some people who are afraid of terrorist attacks don't want migrants living near them because they assume that they are dangerous. They think that by closing the borders, everything will be okay and everyone will be safe. This however is not the case. Yes, it's a possibility that U.S. citizens might be "safer" by closing our borders, but the refugees won't have anywhere to go. Why should we as Americans be able to seek safety and not refugees of war?

     Taking in Syrian refugees isn't dangerous like many Americans believe. The refugees don't just sail to the U.S., get a job, and start their life. According to Time Magazine, they go through extensive background checks and are the most heavily screened and vetted people entering the U.S. The screening process alone takes, in many cases, up to three years and is extremely thorough. And even if they make it to the U.S., they don't have anything but the shirt on their backs and the family they came with.

    It has been argued that it's not fair that the U.S. government assists the refugees by giving them $1,000 for the first three months in the U.S. However, the refugees must pay for an apartment, their own food, and their own clothes at the same price as a U.S. citizen. That is not enough money to live on if you have, for example, two or three kids and no income. According to U.S.News, Syrian refugees must find jobs in order to be able to live in the U.S. after the three months are over. 

     Even though many Syrians are well-educated and experienced, they can't just pick up where they left off before the war started. Let's say that a Syrian doctor comes to the U.S., they can't just apply for a job and continue their practice, they must start from square one and get their credentials. This is why most refugees end up working for low-pay jobs that require little skill.

     Not accepting Syrian refugees is un-American, according to President Barack Obama. How could a country made up entirely of different cultures and religions deny Syrians the right to come here because they are of a different culture and religion? Just because they come from the same part of the world as ISIS doesn't mean that they are part of that organization. How dare we assume that they are terrorists when they are putting their life on the line for a safer future?

     Put yourself in their shoes. What if the U.S. was bombed and taken over by ISIS? What if your entire family was killed and you decided to flee your home with no money, no food, and no clothes? What if you finally made it to Germany and they denied you the opportunity to live there just because you might be a dangerous terrorist? Imagine what you would do in that situation, and imagine going through what Syrian refugees are going through right now. If you were put in that situation, how would it feel to be labeled as a potential ISIS member and lose the chance to live a better life? Just put yourself in their position and think about how you would want to be treated.

     I believe that we should all help each other and not assume anything that is not true. We as a country can't be so selfish and only think of our safety and not those fleeing war. There are so many steps that the Syrian refugees must take before they even set foot in the U.S. and if they do, they face many more struggles trying to make enough money to live a comfortable life. We as people should all have a chance to live the life we desire to have and not treat each other as if we aren't equal.