Friday, October 18, 2013

Protecting the persecuted is not a card game


America has stood as a beacon of hope for so many immigrants and refugees in its history.  However, as human rights and global conflicts have become more complex over time, the system America uses for its refugees has become ineffective.  The problem lies in the massive number and large variety of situations that are now posed to a modern day refugee.  America has always stood by its policy of providing refuge if a person will be persecuted if he or she returns to their home country.  This policy is effective in situations that involve life and death or physical harm to a refugee.  However, there has been an emerging gray area as the number of refugees has increased.  Now, the U.S. has to deal with those who seek asylum without a proper reason and also those who come seeking an easier method of immigration.  In order to deal with this problem, there have been many resources used to filter out these false immigrants but they have become cost-heavy and time consuming.  Protecting the persecuted is a service that should be offered beyond thinking about money and time, but the process needs to be revamped.  The current method just isn’t working as it was originally designed.   For example, there is a system of detainment in which various immigrants are detained in the U.S. so that their backgrounds and personal information can be cleared.  This idea is good for clearing up situations, but it does nothing but give an immigrant false hope of staying in the U.S.  The process can take months and even years and it only costs more that it rewards to the immigrants and the country.  Offering refuge and asylum is a shining example of what makes America great, but there needs to be more responsible management within its systems.  

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