News of mass shootings and terrorist attacks are flooding the media and Syrian refugees in need of resettlement seek the kindness of America. Our nation, in an attempt to eliminate the chances of terrorism, has turned them away.

The denial of refugee intake is greatly effecting America’s reputation. Not allowing refugees into our nation is completely wrong and unethical.

Firstly, people blaming the unfortunate Paris attacks on refugees are wrong. They were citizens of the country. An extensive security check is performed on all who seek refuge. They are subject to very extensive biographic and biometric security checks. This ensures that the person in question holds no relations to anyone who is affiliated with any group known to be a threat to that country or regions security or health.

The citizens leaving Syria are fleeing from a civil war. Their only intention is to keep themselves and their families safe. Foreign affairs are bound to plummet if certain states continue to deny people into their communities. Isolating the nation or even certain states is a terrible mistake that can lead to disarray among those in the state and those seeking refuge. Governor Greg Abbott has denied their entrance into Texas on the ground of keeping the state safe. What those in fear of the Syrians and the stereotypes behind them need to realize is that the Syrians fleeing are afraid of the same thing we are: ISIS, terrorism, death and turmoil.

Not only is it unreasonable and detrimental to foreign affairs not to let the Syrian refugees in but it is also unethical. Two Catholic organizations in Amarillo have quit in the assistance of Syrian intake and aide but claim that it’s not due to Governor Abbott’s letters and won’t specify why they quit. This is directly contradictory to a Catholic lifestyle and it is wrong. As of today only a ‘reunification policy’ is in act. This policy states that only refugees with family here may stay. They turn away hundreds of people fleeing in hope to be taken in by America with welcoming arms; only for an iron gate to slam shut before them and rip their hopes away.

The opposition believes that the nations national and homeland security should come first and foremost. By assuming every refugee allowed into the nation has the potential to harm us is directly influencing the generation below to think in a patriarchal mind set.  The Syrians are fleeing from a civil war and they are battling the same fear as us.

Those in disagreement with Syrians coming to the nation should try to research what is happening if they haven’t already. The stories of what these people are growing through has the potential to change a lot of people’s minds.