Antelope High School

Home of the Titans

Principal, John Becker
Phone: (916)782-6565 ext. 1047

Cydney Wasina
7801 Titan Drive
Antelope Ca, 95843

Governor Jerry Brown

c/o State Capital, Suite 1173
Sacramento, Ca 95814

To Whom It May Concern:

We must takes sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the
tormentor, never the tormented (Elie Wiesel). My name is Cydney Wasina and Im a sixteen year old
sophomore attending Antelope High school. During my time in highschool, I have been informed
about the issue surrounding Syrian refugees fleeing to America in hopes to leave their violent past.
There are thousands of innocent people, children, and families each day attempting to be accepted into
American borders. We, as people, as American citizens, should be accepting the ones in need, the ones
who are struggling and need a hand. As an American citizen, I personally believe we are doing the
least amount we can to provide security and support to the Syrian refugees. Only 10,000 refugees are
allowed in our society because of the fear our government holds around Syria even though there are
many more who are in desperate need.

In our world today, the citizens of Syria have been wrapped in an internal war with nearly five years of
conflict (Black 1). The innocent people of Syria are forced to endure daily life filled with violence, death and
failing economy all thanks to the corrupt government and the rebels who want to destroy it. About 11.5% of
the countrys population [has] been killed or injured during the turmoil (Black 3). Over a million citizens have
been wounded in the last 5 years with the life expectancy frequently dropping. Most deaths occured due to the
violence but many was a result of the poor living conditions which was a product of the countrys war within
itself. These people are stuck right in the center of all the chaos since many powerful nations like the United
States are denying them access.

The situation circulating around the conflicts in Syria and the denied access refugees receive is similar to the
Jewish refugees when fleeing from the Holocaust during the WWII. Our fear was our silence back then when
we denied thousands of Jewish people shelter even though the Jews did not pose any threat to the US (Geller
2). We later regretted this decision after WWII so why are we once again making the same mistakes? Our
attitudes during [WWII] towards refugees is similar in the way our nations government is treating harmless
refugees (Geller 4). There is always a chance for something to go wrong, but our fear of terrorism is costing
innocent children and families their lives (Geller 6). When we denied the Jewish refugees access out of fear of
Nazi spies, we sent them back to their graves. We are now sending thousands of people back to Syria where
they have higher chances of dying from the crumbling nation because of the stigma around terrorism and Syria.
All in all, we are lucky enough to be able to live in a strong and powerful nation where we can be safe, lets
share that comfort with the thousands of people who are in critical need of it.

The most amount of refugees current law makers has allowed to enter the United States is a mere 10,000. Out of
the thousands that need our help only 10,000 are allowed entrance? I feel as though we are a strong enough
nation to support more than 10,000 refugees. This is by far morally wrong and it is all out of the fear of
terrorism (Matthews CON). Over millions of refugees have fled their homes, which is now the world largest
4635 Elverta Road, Antelope, CA 95843
 Antelope High School
Home of the Titans
Principal, John Becker
Phone: (916)782-6565 ext. 1047

refugee population, other countries are struggling and needs the U.S. to help (Matthews CON). Still, about
thirty one governors are protesting to refuse Syrian refugees and to allows for states to refuse refugee access.
We need not to stay silent for this only supports Anti-Western policies and beliefs. I believe we are powerful
enough and need to open our arms to the families who are suffering to alleviate pains from the violent
conditions they fled from.

America is the land of the free, we are a powerful nation who accepts everyone. Lets live up to our name and
do something amazing. Do you want to be put down in history as the nation who rejected millions of refugees
again? Or do you want to be the nation who saves millions and increases the diversity in our country? Lets not
make the same mistake again and instead show love and acceptance to the children, mothers, and fathers who
want to take shelter in our wonderful nation. Please, Governor Brown, open your mind and heart to the ones
who are pleading for you. Become a hero who saves millions of desperate lives. The matter between life and
death are in your hands so please consider your options. Thank you so much for your time and I hope you take
into account everything I stated. Again, Thank you.
Sincerely,

Cydney Wasina
Antelope High School Student
Respectful. Responsible. Proud
GO TITANS!

4635 Elverta Road, Antelope, CA 95843