The Syrian refugees are not our enemy

The Syrian refugee crisis is currently dominating the political landscape and has been at the forefront of media coverage for the past several months. Discussions on whether the United States should accept displaced Syrian refugees, and how many of them, have sparked considerable debate and controversy as policymakers are left divided on how to handle this worldwide humanitarian crisis.

Since a bloody civil war engulfed Syria in 2011, more than 11 million Syrians (half the nation’s population) have been forced to leave their homes, with over four million fleeing the country. And while the U.S. has donated $4.5 billion towards crisis relief efforts, more than any other country, just simply signing off on the bottom of a check isn’t enough.

Currently, the U.S. accepts 70,000 refugees annually, but only a fraction of those admitted are Syrian. And although President Obama’s administration has pushed for increasing the number of Syrian refugees accepted to 10,000 by next year, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill to nix that plan unless national security agencies were to certify the refugees to not be a threat.

To be sure, many details and facts have yet to emerge in the chaotic aftermath of the attacks that killed 130 people in Paris and suddenly shifted America’s attention on to foreign policy. More than half of U.S. governors and many other lawmakers have promised to block Syrian refugees resettled in their states, citing that there could be potential terrorists among them.

The apprehension toward admitting refugees at the risk of national security is understandable. But the fear mongering and xenophobia that has also emerged in light of the recent events is unacceptable, showing a lack of general compassion and empathy.

GOP frontrunner Donald Trump’s recent comments about compiling a database to register and track Muslims in the United States are both morally repugnant and unconstitutional, not to mention only the tip of the anti-Muslim rhetoric that has run rampant in recent weeks.

Other GOP candidates Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush have suggested admitting only Christian refugees, which come off as insensitive and as thinly veiled religious bigotry. Their comments are also hypocritical, considering that the U.S. was founded on religious freedom and tolerance, not to mention Cruz’s own father emigrated from Cuba and was granted political asylum amidst civil unrest in Cuba.

And the suggestion by GOP candidate Ben Carson that the U.S. bar all Syrian refugees out of fear that a "sleeper agent could get in is an emotional overreaction that demonstrates a clear lack of understanding of the refugee vetting process that is already in place.

It’s rational to fear that an ISIS terrorist could conceivably to slip in as a displaced war refugee. However, with the current refugee application process that the United Stated has in place, it’s highly unlikely, and turning our backs on an already embattled people is irresponsible.

Unlike overloaded European countries forced to vet migrants only after they've arrived, the U.S. have the luxury of thoroughly vetting and checking refugees before admitting them. At least four security agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, check credentials and backgrounds as well as conduct multiple interviews of applicants, turning them away if their story reveals any inconsistencies.

Yes, there could be a mastermind terrorist among the refugee ranks, but chances are, if there are any ISIS operatives hell bent on inflicting terror, they’re probably already here. Since 9/11, the U.S. has admitted 784,000 refugees, of whom only three have been arrested for plotting terrorist attacks. Not to mention, the vetting process typically takes 18-24 months, making it an inefficient method for potential terrorists to infiltrate the U.S.

Overreacting during this crisis plays into the hands of ISIS, as it validates their senseless ideological struggle and reinforces the narrative that the western world hates Muslims, and that the ongoing wars in the Middle East are crusades against Islam.

The Paris attacks were a great tragedy and a somber reminder of the violence that can come of hatred and fanaticism. However, shutting down our borders and turning away desperate refugees out of irrational fear is the wrong move and sends the wrong message to the rest of the world.

For decades, the U.S. has been a pillar of democracy, equality and freedom, shining as the world’s premier superpower. What does it say to other nations when the greatest country in the world cowers in the face of ISIS and allows fear to dictate its foreign policy?

What happened in Paris doesn’t change what our nation stands for – a safe haven for those persecuted based on faith or nation of origin and the moral calculus regarding homeless refugees that have been beaten, tortured and raped hasn’t changed. The humanitarian necessity remains overwhelming.

Fear mongering, xenophobia and bigotry are motivating factors for ISIS. We shouldn’t let them become motivating factors for America too.