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The Refugee crisis

by Gaudi 

The moment we live in is part of the future’s history. Europe is dealing with a big migrant issue. I assume you already read many news stories about it. But have you made up your mind? What is the best way to deal with the current situation?

In 2015 more than 1 million refugees entered Europe. The assumption is that by 2017 this number has grown to 3 million. The war in Syria is particularly key in driving the numbers of people moving into Europe to levels not seen in half a century. European governments are struggling on their policy on how welcoming they should be. How to manage the big amount of refugees coming into the European countries? There have been lots of extreme reactions to this question. Most left wing parties claim we have to be welcoming to all refugees, no matter what. Some right wing parties claim it is best to reject all refugees.

The mainstream media mostly report on the problems a few of the refugees cause. This media coverage causes some people to think that refugees are only coming here to rape, murder and steal. Geert Wilders is the main guy in our country with such a strong opinion. It really hurts me to see him give speeches using some incidents as argument against male muslim refugees in general [1]. To form a good opinion I think it is important to also hear success stories of refugees, like the Afghan guy’s speech at the last LED-talk.

Every asylum seeker has a different story. Many lack passports or other ID, having risked their lives in the Mediterranean and Balkans, abused and exploited by criminal traffickers. I cannot imagine the huge mental challenge they have to undergo. Most have fled their countries because they felt unsafe. Others are economic migrants. To me the reason someone came here isn’t really important. Economic migrants aren’t necessarily bad. The most important thing to look at are the intentions of every asylum seeker. I am convinced that almost all refugees coming here eventually are willing to contribute to our society, if we give them the chance to. However, it takes at least a few years before they overcome their traumas and adapt to the western society. I think it is important to let psychologists guide the refugees to a positive attitude towards the future.

I agree with some arguments of the opponents, like a higher terrorism threat, but I think it is ridiculous to make the life of hundreds of thousands of people miserable just because someone might execute a terrorist attack. Also, there is tax-money needed to accommodate and treat refugees. But personally I see this as well invested tax money. And although refugees cost money in the short term, in the long term they can get a job and pay taxes.

To conclude, my opinion is that refugees should be welcome. I can totally imagine others opinions to be different, especially when living next door to a refugee accommodation centre (dutch: AZC). But when looking at the big picture, I think it is best to welcome refugees. Do you agree? Or disagree? It would be great if you share your opinion in the comments below.

[1] http://nos.nl/artikel/2081246-wilders-mannelijke-moslimvluchtelingen-opsluiten-in-azc-s.html (dutch)


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