OpEd

OpEd

              The current refugee crisis is one that we all need to consider more. Many may believe that the refugee crisis is something that only affects refugees but, it affects us all.  We all play a part in either helping or hurting the current situation. I believe that we all have a duty to help refugees coming into our country.

Yet many argue that letting these immigrants into our country would only lead to destruction, tension and conflict that our country at its current state cannot afford. Yes, we may not be in the best place as a country but one thing we do have is resources. Resources that we take for granted that any refugee would die for.  Everyday items like food, clothing and other necessities are things we need to offer, we can surely do this. They are starving, they are unaware if they will even make it to their new host families, they are unsure if they will see their families. This crisis is not temporary, this conflict has been affecting our country for years now. So, what is getting in the way? I believe currently what is getting in the way of us using our resources is our prejudices, and fear of the unknown. Another reason this problem is that the refugees have little to no support. To truly succeed in building durable solutions for refugees we must look past our differences and see these people as people just as us, trying to build a better life. The areas for improvement center on helping other countries, showing support and seeing the refugees as the people they are and not as another task off the to do list.

One line that I read in another article I was reading stated: “Hope is not lost, but it is getting impatient, and we should be too.” This quote was one that I really liked because it shows that there is still hope for refugees out there, but hope begins with our action.  

Topic of Interest

Topic of Interest

This week, I have really been able to reflect on my research topic, as a whole. This week especially I have seen many food drives, many conferences and heard many talking about the issue of refugees. It is interesting to see how much people are actually talking about this worldwide issue and to see it's impact on certain individuals. Most of the things I have seen pertaining to refugees has been in the LA hall by the multicultural center. As I walked through the halls, it was interesting to see that students are setting up these stations, and are promoting a change. This really helped me to see that not only is this issue relevant but this issue may affect many more, close to home then we may believe. As I was looking through social media, I came by a quote that read, "Refugees have no choice. You do." This quote struck me and seemed to apply to all those who were out there setting up booths, having conferences and doing so much more to help these people. It was interesting to me that I was able to feel in the loop and to feel as if I knew what was happening around me, it was a good feeling. Also it seemed to give a little nudge as to if I really do have all this information now, why not do something about it?

Topic of Interest

Topic Of Interest

For my blog post this week on my topic of interest, I was able to find a website where they specifically talk about refugee resettlement in America. Here is the link:

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr

This website has all the possible information you could want about resettlement. It has a tab for policies, unaccompanied children and many resources. It also has many success stories about refugees who came to America and are now well off on their own. I really enjoyed this website! Check it out!

Topic of Interest

Refugee Crisis

Recently, I was able to interview a man over email named Solomon. Solomon works for my the same company my Dad does named Mercy Housing. Mercy Housing is a housing corporation that gives affordable housing to those who cannot provide for themselves. Solomon specifically works with Refugees, and helps them move into their new homes at their properties which span across the U.S. I was able to ask Solomon five basic questions on his job with Refugees and his experience with the people. One of my favorite responses Solomon had was when I asked him what he would like others to know about Refugees. Solomon stated: "Refugees are the most hard working people I have ever seen. They do not take anything for granted; they work any jobs available to make ends meet, they are family oriented, and they would rather go hungry than not paying rent. Other than a few of them still relies on government subsidies, most of the refugees I have encounter for the past ten years have been very successful in their life; they go to school,  buy a new car within a year or two of arriving here, and most of them move out from Grace because they buy house." This was a true testament to me that, what I am arguing in my paper affects real lives. These people who I am advocating for are real people with real dream and ambitions, all we have to do is give them a chance to pursue their adventures.