We see it on our televisions. We see it on our phones. We see it in the newspapers. But what do we do? Some Westerners either say “That’s too bad” or “That’s not our problem.” 68.5 million persons out of the global population are forcibly displaced (5). Wars have ravaged entire villages and countries. Gangs have brutally killed innocent civilians. Yet people who are not in such horrid situations sometimes believe that it is not as horrible as the media makes it out to be or it is not the Western countries’ responsibilities to hold out a hand to crippling and violence-ridden communities. A current, hot topic of today relates to refugees. The United States of America should increase the refugee quota and welcome migrants into the land of the free. Migrants contribute to society and desire to seek safety; therefore, the moral action to take is to welcome them.
Out of the 25.4 million refugees around the globe, the United States has only resettled 33,000 in 2017, and this quota is currently decreasing. 33,000 resettled in the US is the lowest number of refugees resettled for almost twenty years (3). In 2016, Germany had accepted 1.1 million refugees and half of the 282,726 asylum applications (4). The size of Germany is 137,122 square miles, which is even smaller than Montana. If Germany can welcome over a million refugees, then the United States can too.
Despite what the Trump administration claims, the United States has the financial capability to accept more refugees and benefits from doing so. According to the budget President Trump released, “Under the refugee program, the federal government brings tens of thousands of entrants into the United States, on top of existing legal immigration flows, who are instantly eligible for time-limited cash benefits and numerous noncash federal benefits, including food assistance through SNAP, medical care and education, as well as a host of state and local benefits.” However, recent research from the Department of Health and Human Services suggests that refugees brought in $63 million more dollars than it costs to have them on U.S. soil (2). In regards to an individual refugee, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed the approximate amount of money of which he/she contributed financially. Within twenty years of an adult refugee’s arrival, he/she will pay $21,000 more in taxes than he/she ever collected in benefits (1). The claim that refugees are a financial burden on the United States is a misconception.
Refugees have significant social impact on their host countries’ communities as well. Unique personalities and backgrounds belong to all individuals—refugee or not. A refugee is defined by having fled his/her homeland due to war, persecution, or natural disaster, but this not does mean he/she does not come from a diverse culture. Refugees help otherwise isolated communities see the beautiful cultures and people around them. Some Americans are blind when it comes to those who appear to be different than them. Refugees create a more culturally tolerant environment. This will help decrease ignorance prevalent in various communities.
A refugee does not choose to flee unless his/her home is the mouth of a shark. Is that really a choice when one is staring down the barrel of a gun or the point of a machete? Despite anti-immigrant sentiments, facts and personal stories will continue to prove the economic and cultural benefits of welcoming refugees. Nonetheless, it being the right action to take. The next time you vote for our state and national leaders do not turn a blind eye to those who belittle and ignore refugees. Remember that all types of migrants are the backbone of this country. That they are our neighbors. Our friends. And our family.
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