White supremacist zealots are dangerous, not innocent immigrants - echo from Utah

Echo opinion in support of protecting migrants and asylum seekers published in The Daily Utah Chronicle a University of Utah newspaper, by Andrea Alvarado 

Alvarado: The Real Danger is White Supremacy, Not Refugees

Fox (propaganda) News and Donald Trump market the innocent immigrant caravan from Central America as the greatest threat to the safety of America. Lies! In fact, we must be worried about the supremacists that are inside our border. (MaineWriter: Refugees and asylum seekers are not dangerous, but white supremacists are radical right wing extremists who are capable of executing violence.  Supremacists are intent on perpetrating the evils of man's inhumanity to man.)

Legal and illegal immigrants in their majority are not violent criminals preying on law-abiding citizens. 

Studies have shown immigrants are less likely to commit a crime than a native-born citizen of the United States. Nonetheless, the general perception of immigrants from poorer nations is an inherent proclivity towards violent behavior which seems to justify refusal of entry for asylum seekers.

The existence of the migrant caravan has been known for months. Their stories have been documented and shared by the news throughout the world. Unfortunately, this hasn’t moved the president or his administration to consider hearing their plea for asylum. They claim open borders are the first step towards the corruption of American culture, even though these people escaping gangs and poverty from Honduras are only asking for an application for asylum. 

It is not a surprise attack or a threat to American sovereignty, but mostly for thousands of malnourished refugees who are so afraid for their safety. They have walked through countries to escape the violence at home. Nevertheless, they are still vilified as a plague, bloodthirsty criminals disguising as women and children.

Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen have defended their decision of firing tear gas into a different country! Not only did this violate international law protecting refugees seeking asylum, but the United States actively ignored the established Mexican border. 

Instead of allowing the refugees to present their cases and apply formally for entry to the country, the administration is challenging international agreements that are meant to keep nations safe from foreign intervention. In addition, the U.S. troops were deployed to the border to protect the country from tired and still distant refugees instead of spending Thanksgiving with their families. 

Even though the rhetoric surrounding the caravan has portrayed it as the greatest threat to the United States in modern history, the true terror is already inside our borders.

While Homeland Security is tear-gassing refugees on foreign territory, right-wing extremists are sending explosive devices to former and current government officials and slaughtering other American citizens in places of worship. But the narrative is drastically different when reporting these sorts of incidents. They are “mentally ill,” “delusional” or flat out “sick.” 

Meanwhile, these Central American refugees have been called “bad people,” “terrorists” and “criminals” without any reason. The president is afraid MS-13 and ISIS members are hiding amidst the caravan, but instead of advocating for a background screening of these refugees, he resorts to violence.

While Trump blatantly condemns this group of people that have done little to deserve it, he is failing to address the growing violence against minorities and his own critics. These acts of violence that can disrupt and end the lives of any law-abiding citizens are isolated incidents to the Trump administration and Fox News. The term “terrorism” is rarely used when describing these horrific events while a caravan of poor immigrants is rapidly labeled a national emergency. The truth is white supremacy and the anti-immigrant rhetoric go hand in hand.

letters@chronicle.utah.edu

@TheChrony

Refugees- This Utah echo was published in the University of Utah newspaper

Autumn Barney reported in 2016, and the commentary is even more relevant in 2019:  "I have worked with refugees in Salt Lake City", published in The Daily Utah Chronicle*. 

It has been one of the most rewarding causes I have been a part of. 

In November 2015, the tragic bombings occurred in Paris and the conversation surrounding refugees became one of the most popular topics of debate. The last election period has continued this debate, with many different opinions coming to light. Over the past year and a half, I have seen an incredible amount of false information surface about refugees in America. Through my own research and volunteer work, I’m here to set the record straight.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that refugees are terrorists’ or ISIS’s way of getting a “Trojan Horse” into America. 

This could not be more incorrect. In the history of America, not a single refugee has ever committed a terrorist act on American soil (unless you include European refugees who slaughtered people for land). Refugees are not immigrants. Many people have confused immigrants who have committed acts of terrorism, i.e. San Bernardino (who were United Statess citizens), with refugees. 

The process for obtaining refugee status differs completely from any other type of entry into America.

Refugees who are accepted into America are the most vetted people coming into our country through the selection by the U.N. and by our government. Thorough checks are conducted by the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the Defense Department, the National Counterterrorism Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For Syrians, there’s an extra check. When trying to reach another country for safety, refugees stay on lists that can lead to years of waiting. One percent are chosen to come to America. Otherwise, they choose other alternatives.

At least 30 U.S. governors have said they don’t want Syrian refugees to come to their states. 

Utah not only welcomes refugees, but over the years has resettled 60,000 people seeking help and a new home. Utah has one of the top programs for refugees in the country. We don’t just bring refugees to our state and say, “good luck.” We have programs that help them get work, obtain an education, learn the area and laws etc. Because of this they become great contributors to our state economically and culturally through which they can potentially give us a new perspective on life. These programs have helped millions of peoples’ lives become better; I know this since I have worked in them. America takes in refugees from around the world, but the news and media create unnecessary fear of bringing in Middle Eastern refugees, which is just an irrational display of ignorance and intolerance.
The same ignorance can extend to other areas of the world, like Africa. I work with a Congolese family here in Salt Lake City. The mother is one of the kindest and most selfless people I have ever met. She and her children stayed in a refugee camp for many years before being able to come to Utah. Her husband had to stay behind while his family fled. 

Being a refugee isn’t about trying to sneak into America. It’s about leaving a home that’s full of war. It’s about escape and survival. I can’t imagine how Americans would handle it if they were in a situation of having to flee for their lives to another country. We are lucky, even spoiled. In return, we should not only support refugees, but graciously welcome them into our country. I love serving this wonderful Congolese family. They have taught me so much about humility and love. We should all want to learn more.

The Utah Refugee Education & Training Center gives an estimate of 20 million refugees from around the world who moved out of their country to escape persecution in their homeland. Most refugees are women and children. Half of them are under 18. Volunteering with refugees has been one of the greatest services I have ever been involved with. I understand fear has been created. But knowledge is power. Learning about and volunteering with refugees can not only help these wonderful people in need, but it can create an environment of education and love.

I understand fear. But what some don’t realize is that their fear doesn’t stem from refugees, but from not being properly educated about these people, who are in need.

letters@chronicle.utah.edu

*Daily Utah Chronicle or University of Utah Student Media