Peterson 1

Emma Peterson

Jackie Burr, Instructor

English 2010, Section 4

12 Apr. 2019

Refugees in the United States

Throughout the world, different people are constantly getting pushed from their homes

and countries because of civil disputes, persecution to them or their religion, or because of

extremely harsh living conditions they may be experiencing, making their current homes a

dangerous place to live. This forces these people to find home in an unknown place to them. A

refugee is known as someone with a fear of severe persecution in someone's home country, that

have to do with many different reasons, who are forced to live somewhere else. In 2018, there

were over twenty-five million refugees throughout the world; the highest number of refugees

there has ever been. In the past, the United States has been a main relocation point for many

refugees. Unfortunately, the process of being accepted into the United States can be a lengthy

process, and after relocation here, many are not welcome with open arms, as many United States

citizens do not support refugees, believing that other countries should deal with their own

problems, and the United States should be less involved with international affairs. The refugees

and asylum seekers who are looking for a better life in the United States, also have a hard time

transitioning to this new life. They quite often require support from others, as they came over

with little to nothing in their pockets. Despite what different news and media stations may say on

the topic of refugees and immigration, opening our borders to these people who are in search of a
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better life can help boost the economy of the United States, and they come here with different

skills useful in the workforce, and a desire to work.

Many United States citizens have strong opinions on the topic of immigration and

international affairs, wondering how involved the United States should be on problems taking

place around the world. About half of Americans believe the United States limit opening the

borders to help support others who are pushed from their home countries, and looking for a new

life in a safer place. Another issue many citizens have, is the idea that the United States is to

involved with international disputes, and should be focusing more on the problems that may be

occuring in this country. Peter Vincent explains how in “A May 2016 Pew Research Center

survey indicated 57% of Americans want other countries to ‘deal with their own problems as

best they can,’ and 41% believe the United States is too involved in world problems.” (See figure

1). Vincent also explains however, that turning away from the international affairs the country is

involved in, would be more damaging to the United States than helpful, by hurting the “global

reputation” known throughout the world, and the international ties the country may have (384).

Despite beliefs, allowing and welcoming refugees and immigrants from other countries can help

support the United States with the international ties it may have with other countries, and cause

less dispute.

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Refugees not only come to the United States for the hope of a better life, they also come

here for the opportunities they are given here to work. Refugees help support our economy as

they come here, with different skills, and our willing to work. Judith Friedlander explains in his

article “In the Eyes of Others: The Impact of New School’s Refugee Intellectuals in the United
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States,” how refugee teachers made an impact in a college setting. These teachers were able to

bring cultural diversity to the university and giving these refugees another chance (873). This

shows how giving the refugees equal opportunities to work here as a citizen of the United States

can be good not only for them, but for the workforce in the country.

The transition from living in a different country and moving, especially to here in the

United States can be a challenging transition for many refugees. Head of the service missionaries

in Utah who serve the refugees in the area stated in an interview how younger kids adapt easier

than the older adults. Older adult have a harder time learning a new language and adjusting to the

culture. As the younger kids go to the public schools in the area, they learn the language faster,

and are more surrounded by the new culture, adjust better and faster (Weddle). The process of

coming to a new country as a refugee, and past experiences can cause different mental problems

that can be challenging to many refugees. Many different programs are beginning to be put into

place to help these refugees through the change that can be mentally tolling. Therapists are

beginning to work more and more with the refugees to help them with this transition.

The process can be challenging for those who want to become a United States Citizen,

who came over to America as a refugee through a resettlement program. Many who are known

as refugees settle in their new homes with nothing but themselves, and a desire to work.

Immigrants, who find themselves in the Americas, also searching for a better life, find it hard as

well to become a United States citizen. Many have the desire and want badly to become a United

States citizen, but the refugees have to live here for five years in order to become a United States.

However, it is easier to find refuge here than in some of our neighboring countries, such as

mexico. Drake Whitney explains in a report how many who seek refuge in the United States are
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granted it, but Mexico does not grant as many (122). Although it may be challenging here, the

process for applying for relocation here in the United States allows more to find a new home

here.

Allowing refugees into the United States can help keep a cultural diversity many want in

that country, and can help less people feel as an “outsider” and more people of their religion and

race are allowed into the country. Many refugees come with different skills that can help support

and boost the United States economy through jobs. Many also are willing to learn and recieve an

education that can later lead to a job. Many of the refugee children end up going to public

schools and enjoy them. Public schools play a major part in helping children adjust to their new

life here in the United States. Being involved in the school and the culture of schools help

support these children.

The refugees come searching for a better life in different countries. They struggle

sometimes with coming to a new country, but are willing for the challenge. Although many may

be not accepting, the refugees who come here need support, as they come and bring good with

them. They bring skills and a willing to work and come to help build the American Economy as

well.

Works Cited

Drake, Whitney “Disparate Treatment: A Comparison of United States Immigration

Policies toward Asylum-Seekers and Refugees from Colombia and Mexico.” Texas Hispanic
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Journal of Law & Policy, vol. 20, Spring 2014, pp. 121–147. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=95498936&site=ehost-live.

Friedlander, Judith. “In the Eyes of Others: The Impact of the New School’s Refugee

Intellectuals in the United States.” Social Research, vol. 84, no. 4, Winter 2017, pp. 873–893.

EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=128441609&site=ehost-live.

Hill, Janice. Interview. Email. 9 April 2019.

VINCENT, PETER. “Weathering the ‘Perfect Storm:’ Welcoming Refugees While

Protecting the United States at Home and Abroad.” Virginia Journal of International Law, vol. 57,

no. 2, Jan. 2018, pp. 384–412. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=130888222&site=ehost-live.

Weddle, Daniel B. “An American Tune: Refugee Children in U.S. Public Schools.”

Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy, vol. 27, no. 3, Summer 2018, pp. 434–456. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=132575913&site=ehost-live.