The argument about accepting refugees is one frequently debated. Though there are arguably positives and negatives on each side of the issue, the overarching fact is that when people are in danger, Americans should feel an inclination to help. It is rumored that accepting refugees hurts Americans in areas regarding safety and economics. However, contrary to popular belief, the impact that Syrian refugees have on America, as a whole, is one that changes America for the better.
The danger
As mentioned above, one of the reasons people commonly perish the thought of taking in refugees is because they think they will have a negative impact on the safety of Americans.
This argument is, however, false.
The process one goes through in order to become an admitted refugee is extremely long and arduous, sometimes taking up to three years for one to be accepted. Syrian refugees have to go through countless background checks, interviews, and even culture tests to make sure they are adequately prepared for American life. With the detailed process that they have to go through to get accepted, the notion that accepting these refugees is dangerous is completely false. If an individual posed any foreseeable threat, they simply would not be accepted.
The benefits
Another point that is drastically overlooked is how Syrian refugees actually provide America with many benefits.
The first, and most obvious, is the economic benefit they provide. On average, Syrian refugees pay $21,000 more in taxes than they receive in benefits. According to a study done by Professor Jock Collins, the entrepreneurship rate among refugees is fifty percent higher than it is for natural-born citizens. What that means is these refugees are coming over and starting new businesses, more so than Americans are, thus contributing to economic growth.
The father of Steve Jobs was from Syria as well, showing just how beneficial these individuals can be in the long run.
In addition to economic benefits, it can be argued that accepting Syrian refugees can actually protect Americans. Since refugees continue to be accepted by many different countries if we reject them, they could possibly get taken in by countries in opposition to America, easily being converted, and used to attack us.
The moral argument
All other points aside, what it all boils down to is what is the right choice to make. Based off of the values and principles that guide typical American living, we should feel a natural inclination to help people in need. These refugees are essentially fleeing from death, and if we know that we are able to provide the means to save them, it is our Duty to do so.
