Refugees in America
68.5 million. That’s how many people worldwide in 2017 were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge. This number, according to unrefugee.org is 2.9% increase from 2016. In their countries they face dangers ranging from religious persecution, civil wars, and their political beliefs. A common misconception about refugees is that they are dangerous and will cause harm to our country. The myths need to end, America’s perception on refugees needs to change. I work with a family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are two parents that are incredibly welcoming and grateful to be here. They are loving and hardworking with four kids. Their kids are extremely eager to learn for school and to learn about America.
There are people in America that are misinformed and that can lead to fear. According to Rescue.org, “Last year… Americans were killed in horrific terrorist attacks in the U.S. None of these atrocities were committed by refugees.” These people leave everything behind to flee to a safe country. They arrive and people don’t want them. They fear them. Refugees don’t choose to come because they want to, they come because they need to. They seek peace not violence.
Refugees contribute to society and the U.S. economy. They want to advance and succeed.
They pay taxes and educate their children so that they too can contribute. “85 percent of refugees resettled by the IRC are working within 180 days of arriving” writes Rescue.org. The family I work with buy from local businesses and give back to their community. Their parents show them the importance of education and helping others. They are grateful to have the chance at a fair education.
America allows for equal opportunity in education for refugees. Unrefugees.org states, “For every ten refugee boys in primary school, there are fewer than eight refugee girls.” The number of girls in secondary school drops. Refugee children in America, especially the girls, are able to get educated which is so valuable and important. With this they can advance. The children are the biggest victims in these situations. What is to deny a child of an education? They want to learn and grow like their peers, not cause problems. In America they get access to something they may have never had before, an education.
Working with this family and seeing what a refugee really is has been life altering. It has changed my perception. Refugees live in our communities, they go to our schools, they have loving families. They are hardworking people with drive. So I ask you this, why do we deserve more than someone else due to where we were born? Why does their birth place change the way we view them without seeing who they really are? I have heard different refugees stories, each one different and unique. They are in many ways similar to us. It is our moral obligation to help make a change. Change is needed in America’s view on refugees and it’s needed now. Thank you.
-Sasha Westrick
December 11, 2018