As last week’s attacks in Paris remind us, violence and conflict are never far away. Everyone at the Peace Economy Project is keeping the residents of Paris, the families of the victims, and all those affected, in our thoughts.
PEP is heartened to see the overwhelming support and solidarity Paris has received. However, some statements and reactions of our elected officials to this tragedy also concern us.
It is important to remember, the people of France and Paris are not the only victims of violent acts by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The Syrian civil war has claimed an estimated 250,000 lives, internally displaced at least 7 million people. And it is estimated that there are more than 4 million refugees outside of Syria. All of these people, many of them children, are fleeing the violence and bloodshed in their homes.
In the United States, more than half of the nation’s governors have made public statements regarding their opposition to allowing Syrians refugees into the country. And recently, several Missouri elected officials have also come out in opposition to the resettlement of refugees, in Missouri and otherwise.
Senator Roy Blunt writes on his website, “ . . . Now is not the time to accept Syrian refugees into the United States absent a proper vetting system . . .”
Missouri Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer, Billy Long, Jason Smith, Vicky Hartzler, Ann Wagner and Sam Graves sent a letter to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, which in part, states, “ . . . we request that you direct the Missouri Department of Social Services Refugee Resettlement Program to use all available resources to prevent the resettlement of any Syrian refugees in the State of Missouri . . .”
This mindset is a dangerous one, and is contrary to the ultimate goal of peace. And lots of people agree. The Washington Post wrote this piece, explaining why ISIS wants nations to turn away refugees. And former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright published a piece in TIME, urging the United States not to close its doors to refugees. The New York Times’ Nick Kristof eloquently pens an op-ed, reminding readers of the United States’ unwillingness to accept Jewish refugees in 1939, and the importance of learning lessons from our past.
This week, the House voted to add vetting requirements for Syrians and Iraqis who are seeking refugee status in the United States. There is concern that, by allowing Syrian refugees into the United States, we risk accepting potential terrorists or other individuals who would threaten the national security of the country. However, the refugee acceptance process in a lengthy one, taking anywhere between 18-24 months, sometimes even longer. Biographical data is collected, in-person interviews are conducted by specially trained agents, medical tests are performed and all the information is crossed checked throughout the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department and other federal agencies.
Accepting Syrians refugees will not solve all the problems in the Middle East. It will not cause ISIS to disappear next week, and will not be without difficulty or challenge. But it is the right thing to do. It is the thing we must do.
Here at the Peace Economy Project, our work mainly focuses on creating a more just, peaceful economy and society. It is easy to wonder how accepting Syrian refugees may fit under this umbrella. But true justice and true peace cannot be achieved until it is everywhere. And as long as the Untied States and other international players continue to conduct airstrikes and drone strikes in Syria and the Middle East, we must do our part to protect those innocent civilians who are often viewed as nothing more than collateral damage.
By opening our homes and hearts to those who need shelter and love, we also open countless opportunities for potentially new leaders, entrepreneurs, inventors, investors, teachers, doctors and thinkers. Instead of being afraid of letting a terrorist into our country by accepting refugees, we should be afraid that we are denying the next Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates or Madeline Albright a new home and new opportunity at life.
Please take the time to contact your representatives: your Congressman and your Senators and your Governor, and ask them to support accepting refugees into our country.
Thank you for your continued support in our struggle towards a better, more peaceful world.
