Debate Essay Final

Will Klumpenhower
Humanities AM

The Syrian Refugee Crisis is arguably the most pressing issue in our world today.
Hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing war-torn Syria in hopes of finding a better
life elsewhere. For many that better life lies within the United States of America. This
paper will try to convince the reader that it is in the best interests of the United States to
let in 50,000 Syrian Refugees.
One of the largest arguments ISIS has for recruitment is the idea that the West
doesnt care about Muslims. When we refuse to allow refugees, we are playing right into
their hands. If we dont let in refugees, then ISIS can call us out and give Muslims on the
fence about joining the proof theyre looking for. If we let in refugees, ISIS has no
ammunition for their propaganda war.(Kragin) Refugees already see the US as a place
of sanctuary from a hostile environment. If their countrymen see this, potential recruits
might as well.
For many, the biggest concern with refugees is the looming threat that ISIS may
be able to sneak terrorists in among innocent people. This would be a legitimate
concern, if not for several contradicting points. One way the US has made it harder for
potential terrorists to get in is who they select to come in. Families are more likely to
make it than an individual male. Families with a female head of household are much
more likely to be accepted than families with a male head of household.(Reilly) Very few
men in the suspected terrorist age are allowed through if they are travelling alone. This
in itself is an effective way of eliminating all potential terrorists from a large group of
people.
When you combine these two arguments, several opposing arguments become
invalid. Opponents of this motion will tell you that if refugees can kill in Paris, why cant
they in the US? The answer is clear: France, Germany, and Belgium, to name a few,
didnt have the security measures in place that the US has, making them far more
susceptible to terrorism.(Dinan) Since we have these measures, we have nothing to fear.
The chances of a terrorist attack in the US stemming from these refugees is far more
likely as a result of not letting them in, rather than the alternative. Hate from Islamic
groups comes as a result of our refusal, not from our generosity.

Works Cited:
TO UNDERMINE ISIS WE SHOULD WELCOME SYRIAN REFUGEES. Newsweek, 2 Dec.
15. Web. 28 Apr. 16.
Reilly, Elizabeth. "Here's Why the US Should Accept Refugees." The York Daily Record.
N.p., 25 Nov. 15. Web. 29 Apr. 2016.
Dinan, Stephen. "Obama Still Plans to Accept 10,000 Syrian Refugees despite Paris Terrorist
Attacks." Washington Times. The Washington Times, 15 Nov. 15. Web. 28 Apr. 2016.