This post has not been vetted or endorsed by BuzzFeed's editorial staff. BuzzFeed Community is a place where anyone can create a post or quiz. Try making your own!

Posted on Dec 5, 2015

10 Reasons Why Accepting Syrian Refugees Is Good For America

Citing national security concerns, more than half of our nation’s governors are opposing the resettlement of Syrian refugees in their states. They say we must place our own security interests over that of foreigners. But this is a false choice. Turning our back on victims of terrorism does not make us safer. It strengthens our enemies. Here’s why:

by Brett Davidson

Community Contributor

Browse links

10 Reasons Why Accepting Syrian Refugees Is Good For America

1. Syrian refugees are not terrorists. They are peace-seekers fleeing from ISIS.

2. ISIS wants to be seen as the world’s only safe haven for Islam—which means that banning Syrian refugees actually validates ISIS propaganda.

3. Virtually no Syrian refugee in the US has ever been arrested or removed on terrorism charges.

4. The intention of the Paris attacks was to terrorize us—which means that blanket suspicion towards Syrian refugees tells ISIS that such attacks are effective.

5. Failing to address the refugee crisis discredits American leadership in the eyes of the world.

6. Our existing screening process for overseas refugees is so stringent (and slow) that terrorists trying to enter the US will almost certainly use other means.

7. Even if a terrorist did apply for refugee resettlement, they would face the strictest vetting process in our entire immigration system.

8. The vast majority of Syrian refugees are women and children.

9. Syrian refugees make our communities stronger and our culture more diverse.

10. We are a nation of immigrants. Shutting the door on victims of persecution contradicts our fundamental values.

10 Reasons Why Accepting Syrian Refugees Is Good For America

1. Syrian refugees are not terrorists. They are peace-seekers fleeing from ISIS.

2. ISIS wants to be seen as the world’s only safe haven for Islam—which means that banning Syrian refugees actually validates ISIS propaganda.

3. Virtually no Syrian refugee in the US has ever been arrested or removed on terrorism charges.

4. The intention of the Paris attacks was to terrorize us—which means that blanket suspicion towards Syrian refugees tells ISIS that such attacks are effective.

5. Failing to address the refugee crisis discredits American leadership in the eyes of the world.

6. Our existing screening process for overseas refugees is so stringent (and slow) that terrorists trying to enter the US will almost certainly use other means.

7. Even if a terrorist did apply for refugee resettlement, they would face the strictest vetting process in our entire immigration system.

8. The vast majority of Syrian refugees are women and children.

9. Syrian refugees make our communities stronger and our culture more diverse.

10. We are a nation of immigrants. Shutting the door on victims of persecution contradicts our fundamental values.

Share This Article