Fecteau: Should RI Still Host the Syrian Refugees? Absolutely
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Matt Fecteau sent this column in from his military post in support of operations in Iraq..
I was taking aback by the horror that unfolded in Paris just last week. Understandably, people are upset. More concerning, one of the terrorists was suspected of masquerading as a refugee. In light of this revelation, Rhode Islanders are beginning to question whether we should host a portion of the 10,000 displaced Syrians. While the attacks in Paris were horrible, Rhode Island should continue to give these people reprieve from the harrowing, wanton violence that consumes Syria.
As of this writing a total of seven states including Massachusetts have refused to host any more of these displaced Syrians, suspended their resettlement program, or terminated it altogether. This comes at a time when the violence in Syria is more pervasive than ever.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOur own governor, Mrs. Gina Raimondo, is receiving pressure too. Coventry's state rep. Bobby Nardolillo called on Raimondo to rescind her offer to resettle the Syrian refugees. The concern is a terrorists could sneak in causing the same wanton death and destruction that occurred in Paris.
There are some reasonable concerns such as potential links to terrorism. As for the aforementioned suspect linked to the attacks in Paris, he came through Greece, a country with relatively lax immigration policies where most arrivals are given travel papers. This is a loophole the suspect used to pass relatively undetected, and was able to carry out a monstrous terrorist attack.
However, the U.S. refugee settlement program is much more stringent. Unlike in Greece or other parts of the European Unions, the displace Syrians coming to the United States will be given the most thorough vetting available (not merely given travel papers and sent on their way), and will likely be tracked. The process normally takes upwards of 18 months (many times much longer). To be admitted as a refugee, the process consists of 1) approval of the refugee's application, 2) a thorough security screening, and 3) an independent confirmation of their identity. The applicants must prove they have no ties to extremism. Because this is difficult to prove, the admissions process is heavily bottle-necked.
While hopefully this alleviates some concern, there are are some compelling reasons to host displaced Syrians. Months ago, I wrote for GoLocalProv that when a state hosts refugees, it receives a heavily subsidized, skilled workforce, something Rhode Island needs because of its declining population. I stand by this article.
Lately, because of my stance on the Syrian refugee program, shock jocks like Tara Granahan's and her listeners have questioned my commitment to my country, and much more on social media (offensive when talking to a veteran serving overseas). This begs the question: what type of person caters to the racists, and xenophobes off the backs of impoverished, displaced people to make a couple cheap dollars on a second rate radio show? I'll give you a hint: look in the mirror.
As for as for the other refugee settlement program critics such as state rep. Bobby Nardolillo and state rep. Doreen Costa, where did your relatives come from? The terrorists who committed these atrocities in Paris have nothing in common with the vetted Syrians coming to our country hoping for a better life. Hopefully, you know that, and are just trying to score cheap political short term points – still sad.
This plays right into the terrorists' hands. The people we are fighting seek to isolate others to drive up recruitment. These displaced people need a home, and living in perpetual limbo prevents them from becoming fully productive members of society. Ignorance and lack of purpose is exactly what our enemies prey on, and we will assure they have recruits for generations to come.
This hits closer to home for me, and the chance are high, you too. If you are an American, you likely know or are related to an immigrant. My great grandfather, James S. Pappas, came from Greece seeking a better life just like the displaced Syrians that have been so demonized as of late. He served in World War II fighting for this beautiful country of ours. Whose to say one of these displaced people won't do the same?
Let's put all of that aside; are we Americans or aren't we? We live in the greatest country on earth because it is the most diverse. We owe it to ourselves not to rush to judgment, that is not the American way. The overwhelming majority of the people coming over just want a chance. It may not be a perfect country, but it still is a land of opportunity that is why it states on the Statue of Liberty,
"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Sounds just like the displaced Syrians.
Matt Fecteau ([email protected]), of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, lost to U.S. Rep. David Cicilline in last year’s Democratic primary. He is a former White House national security intern and is currently serving in the U.S. military fighting in support of operations in Iraq.
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