As immigrants flood into Sweden, many people have been skeptical that the influx is causing an increase in crime, though statistics do not support this claim. Regardless, anti-immigrant sentiment has been increasing among Swedes. Whether immigrants are causing crime or not, Sweden is shouldering a large chunk of the burden of helping refugees. It is beginning to be a strain on the society. Still, some are hopeful that in the long run, the new wave of refugees will turn out to be a valuable asset to Sweden as were the Bosnians after they migrated decades ago.
It is easy to sit back from a distance and tell Sweden to “suck it up” so-to-speak and help the refugees. It is another thing to take action and help shoulder the burden. In the United States, resources such as the IRC and Catholic Community Services are doing much to help the refugees that have already come, but the United States needs to be doing a lot more. We need to open our country’s doors, be selfless, and take in more refugees.
I think you’re right that we should be doing more to help the refugees, but it seems complicated with our current situation. Our country seems to be pushing everyone out, so it is hard to simultaneously take people in. Either way, we need to recognize that the most important thing we can do for our society is learn to take care of our fellow men.
This is an unfortunate case of scapegoating. Even though the stats do not necessarily point to refugees for causing the influx in crime, many people, including our own President, look to blame the refugee community to support his ridiculous ideals. Even before Trump the United States took in a minimal amount of refugees compared to the rising numbers across the world. With our vast network of resources our country should absolutely be looking to accept a larger number of refugees, after a fair and expeditious vetting process.
I fully agree that the United States can do more to help refugees. However, in the spirit of fairness, I think it’s important to note that President Obama’s quota for refugees was extremely low and President Trump (even though he has said he will accept zero refugees) is actually not as far off from the prior administration as some would like to think.
I agree with previous comments that we should help refugees, but there’s a lot to consider and perhaps taking time to fully consider what we are capable of is wise. I don’t think blocking them off or accepting low numbers is good, but acting without thought could have unintended consequences, as seen here with Sweden. The problem with Sweden – and many other countries – is that they feel they are losing their national identity with the heavy influx of refugees and a culture that is not their own. This is a completely valid feeling for these countries where their identity and culture goes back hundreds of years, but it’s also a problem that I don’t know would be as big in the States since we are a culmination of so many cultures already.