Persuasive Essay On Syrian Refugees

During September of last year, a picture taken by a Turkish journalist shocked the world. The subject of the photograph was a three year old boy named Alan Kurdi. The image showed him, dead, face down in the sand on a Mediterranean shore. In attempt to seek refuge from the Syrian civil war in another country, his parents paid over eight thousand U.S. dollars for four spaces on an inflatable boat after being denied entry into Canada. Kurdi, his brother, and his mother all died in the escape attempt after the boat capsized and the passengers realized that they were sold fake life vests. The image of Kurdi, his face buried in the sand and his red shirt clinging to his frail body, became an international symbol for the Syrian refugee crisis.

Syrians have been called a myriad of different things, including “criminals” and “terrorists.” Some believe that terrorists disguised as refugees will enter their country. Others believe that accepting refugees will anger the warring groups in Syria. Now, I'm no political expert, and I can't say that I know a lot about politics. There are probably many different reasons why refugees are being turned away by developed countries. But it doesn't take a politician to know right from wrong, and it is not right to deny people safety because of our own irrational fears. It is not right to allow more Syrian children to die. It is not right to push refugee boats away from piers, light their camps on fire, or call them derogatory names. I strongly believe that stable countries should take in refugees, with one simple policy: life first, judgement second. Help refugees escape violence and ensure their safety before judging their intentions. Saving a life should always take

Today, a refugee is seen not as someone needing help, but someone hoping to harm. We must not forget that we are not the only victims of terror: in fact, it is unarguable that Syrian citizens have been affected the most by the violence. Their cities are showered with bombs and airstrikes. Their children, mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers are being slaughtered. Their young men are kidnapped by rebel groups and forced to fight the war. How can we say that Syrian refugees are terrorists when they are suffering too? How many more Alan Kurdis have to die before there is change? How can we turn on the television and do nothing when we see people suffering? How can we shut down our borders and deny people the basic right to life? How can we sit around and do nothing? When I watch the news, I see hands reaching out for help, but none reaching out to help. I see people crying in pain and desperation, but no one crying with empathy. I see fires burning in Aleppo, but no burning compassion. I see people calling for aid, but no one calling back. I see humans, but no