America’s Lagging Response to Refugee Crisis

[unhappycamper]

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940622001445



America’s Lagging Response to Refugee Crisis
Sun Sep 13, 2015 11:51

TEHRAN (FNA)- The United States continues to excuse human suffering in Syria, sitting idly by, watching the conflict flare up, as if these were mere entertainment rather than human beings whose lives are being destroyed.

Despite being the richest nation in the world, the United States says it will only admit 10,000 Syrian refugees this year. Although no one will ever be able to verify that, it’s still shamefully low, particularly given the role of the United States in stoking the refugee crisis in the first place.

Facing criticism for its lagging humanitarian response so far, the US seeks to frame its commitment as a significant boost. And indeed it does constitute an increase, as the US has admitted less than 1,500 Syrian refugees since the US-led war began in 2011. Still, the number falls well below commitments of other countries that are far smaller. For instance, Germany has committed to accepting up to 800,000 refugees by the end of this year.

What's more, the US is not planning to ease the cumbersome background and medical checks that leave refugees in legal limbo for up to two years. They have to go through the most robust security process of anybody who’s contemplating travel to the United States.

[bemildred]

1. We're still waiting for the new free-market utopia. Why isn't it here yet? nt