Lenny Curry on Syrian Refugees

[finehoe]

Like it or not, we're going to shelter hundreds of thousands of refugees.

Try 10,000.

http://www.federaltimes.com/story/government/omr/cybercon/2015/11/18/dhs-head-us-accept-10000-syrian-refugees-2016/76007708/

[I-10east]

To be fair this isn't some "racist Republican ideology here in Jax" (some wanna spin this into) that's dening Syrian refugees, 31 states aren't welcoming them. 10 states aren't committing including the liberal oasis Cali, and only 5 states are welcoming them; WA, CO, PA, VT, and CT.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/16/world/paris-attacks-syrian-refugees-backlash/

[Cheshire Cat]

Very anecdotal, but I likely would not have enjoyed the life I've had in Jacksonville if it were not for a couple of Syrian refugees in the  1960's.  When our family moved to Jax from South Georgia, flat broke, no job, this Syrian couple helped my father get employment that lasted for over 40 years with one company.  They allowed us to move into a duplex with them in Riverside, and I grew up sharing meals with them; we introduced them to southern cooking and they taught us how to enjoy and make middle eastern cuisine. 

In my work, I've dealt with many of the refugees and those coming over for asylum into our city.  I've yet to meet one who is not appreciative of the opportunities they get simply by living in a free country.  Are there issues with getting used to a new culture and fitting in, of course.  But it's rare these difficulties turn into criminal or terrorist actions.  We have many more home-grown criminals who are more likely to prey on them instead of the reverse.

Jacksonville still has the 5th largest Syrian population in the country.  How do you think this type of reaction makes them feel?  We are a very diverse city and that's part of our charm - and our curse, for those who think that a homogeneous society is best.  This whole country is made of immigrants and we pride ourselves on having the freedom that should and does attract those who do not have it in their home countries. 

I fear our "American" reaction in this instance will only underline what ISIS is telling the rest of the world - look, they talk a game of freedom and inclusion, but really, see they don't want you.  The unintended consequence is likely going to be more war, more terrorism and more recruitment by these extremist groups.  Note that you do not have to be middle eastern in your ancestry to be recruited - we seem to be growing them in the current population as well. 

A proper and thorough background check as is done on the refugees we allow in will minimize the risk.  Doing what we are now with our obviously xenophobic reaction will be certain to keep the cancer spreading.  Think about the bigger picture and put down the broad brush.

Thanks for sharing this story of your personal experience.  These are human beings we are talking about with all the generosity and kindness of good folks over the globe. They are human beings in the midst of deadly turmoil that the did not create.  It is the positive in all people that society should focus on when in comes to viewing our worldwide family. What those who hate do not understand is that you can embrace with gentleness at the same time you are taking great care to see no harm comes to our own.   Fear drives hatred and confrontation.  That is what terrorists rely upon.  Kindness, love and acceptance of differences breeds trust.  We in America believe ourselves to be fair and just.  Rejecting human beings on the basis of fear is not only weak but without honor.  We must hold tight to our honor which is bolstered by a genuine love of humanity. 

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Like it or not, we're going to shelter hundreds of thousands of refugees.

Try 10,000.

http://www.federaltimes.com/story/government/omr/cybercon/2015/11/18/dhs-head-us-accept-10000-syrian-refugees-2016/76007708/

Per the articla:

As the humanitarian crisis continues in Syria and the territories held by the Islamic State terrorist group, the U.S. will be taking in at least 10,000 refugees, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson reaffirmed during a Nov. 18 speech.

...While this is a big increase, it's still only 0.25 percent of the millions of refugees seeking asylum, Johnson noted.

So somewhere between 10k & 1M?

[Cheshire Cat]

Like it or not, we're going to shelter hundreds of thousands of refugees.

Try 10,000.

http://www.federaltimes.com/story/government/omr/cybercon/2015/11/18/dhs-head-us-accept-10000-syrian-refugees-2016/76007708/

Per the articla:

As the humanitarian crisis continues in Syria and the territories held by the Islamic State terrorist group, the U.S. will be taking in at least 10,000 refugees, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson reaffirmed during a Nov. 18 speech.

...While this is a big increase, it's still only 0.25 percent of the millions of refugees seeking asylum, Johnson noted.

So somewhere between 10k & 1M?

Hardly.  With the lengthy and time consuming vetting process currently being used, handling extremely high numbers of refugees is not possible at this time and certainly not likely.  However, whatever the amount, once they have gone through this difficult process that takes up to two years, they certainly should be welcome as immigrants not refugees.  Right now the amount is 10,000 which is minimal considering the need.

[coredumped]

Like it or not, we're going to shelter hundreds of thousands of refugees.

Try 10,000.

http://www.federaltimes.com/story/government/omr/cybercon/2015/11/18/dhs-head-us-accept-10000-syrian-refugees-2016/76007708/

Vote Clinton and try 65,000:
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/hillary-clinton-calls-us-accept-65000-refugees

[finehoe]

So somewhere between 10k & 1M?

If every single person leaving Syria comes to the US perhaps, but that isn't going to happen.

[Gunnar]

Frances response.

http://thinkprogress.org/world/2015/11/18/3723440/france-refugees/

In a speech to mayors from around France, Hollande said France would welcome 30,000 refugees over the next two years. That's even more than the 24,000 he committed to accepting in September.
Hollande said that he would invest about $53.3 million to develop housing for refugees.
He added that that refugees will undergo thorough security checks before entering the country before addressing calls from the country's largest opposition parties, the ultra-right Front National.
Acknowledging fears among many in France after 129 were killed in gun and bomb attacks on Friday, Hollande said, "[It is] our duty to protect our people

Oh wow how awsome - 30,000 over the next two years - that's about 9,000 less than what Sweden (9,7 Million inhabitants) took in during the month of October alone (i.e. during one month).

http://www.migrationsverket.se/download/18.7c00d8e6143101d166d1aab/1446451028489/Inkomna+ans%C3%B6kningar+om+asyl+2015+-+Applications+for+asylum+received+2015.pdf

[Cheshire Cat]

Of the 2,174 Syrian refugees admitted to the United States since September 11, 2001, not a single one has been arrested or deported on terrorism-related grounds.

[Gunnar]

omg.  so by this thinking, because of the fact that people like Michael Dunn and George Zimmerman, and any number of other killers, we should ban white immigrants from coming to the US?

A white christian terrorist (member of the christian identity movement) committed the OKC bombing. In fact, (white) christian identity movement groups (Aryan Nations, The Order, others) have committed lots of terrorist acts on US soil. What does that say about white christians?

The majority of mass shootings have been committed by white males. Should we bar all white males from having guns? Does this mean white males are a problem?

Did they do this in the name of Jesus and / or  Christianity and did they target non Christians or those who they did not believe to be "true" Christians ?

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

I don't really care the actual number.

What is the plan once their civil war ends?

Are they going to be naturalized citizens?  Will they have visas?  Is there a plan in place to get them back home?  Are we expecting them to stay here?

What if they get here and don't like it?

Do they have a choice to go back after their war depending on who's in charge?  Who's responsibility is it to get them home?

1,000 or 10,000,000.... it doesn't matter.  Has an exit plan even been discussed?

[Cheshire Cat]

omg.  so by this thinking, because of the fact that people like Michael Dunn and George Zimmerman, and any number of other killers, we should ban white immigrants from coming to the US?

A white christian terrorist (member of the christian identity movement) committed the OKC bombing. In fact, (white) christian identity movement groups (Aryan Nations, The Order, others) have committed lots of terrorist acts on US soil. What does that say about white christians?

The majority of mass shootings have been committed by white males. Should we bar all white males from having guns? Does this mean white males are a problem?

Did they do this in the name of Jesus and / or  Christianity and did they target non Christians or those who they did not believe to be "true" Christians ?

Gosh, I hope this important discussion is not derailed by a religious tit for tat which will take ups completely.  What we are talking about is the stance Lenny Curry and Rick Scott that they would not accept Syrian refugees into our city or state. 

[Adam White]

omg.  so by this thinking, because of the fact that people like Michael Dunn and George Zimmerman, and any number of other killers, we should ban white immigrants from coming to the US?

A white christian terrorist (member of the christian identity movement) committed the OKC bombing. In fact, (white) christian identity movement groups (Aryan Nations, The Order, others) have committed lots of terrorist acts on US soil. What does that say about white christians?

The majority of mass shootings have been committed by white males. Should we bar all white males from having guns? Does this mean white males are a problem?

Did they do this in the name of Jesus and / or  Christianity and did they target non Christians or those who they did not believe to be "true" Christians ?

They targeted people that they believed were part of the "ZOG" or Zionist Occupation Government. So yeah, in their own twisted way.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Zionist_Occupation_Government_conspiracy_theory

As far as general mass shooting are concerned, there have been a number motivated by religious hatred, the Sikh temple shooting springs to mind.

[Cheshire Cat]

I don't really care the actual number.

What is the plan once their civil war ends?

Are they going to be naturalized citizens?  Will they have visas?  Is there a plan in place to get them back home?  Are we expecting them to stay here?

What if they get here and don't like it?

Do they have a choice to go back after their war depending on who's in charge?  Who's responsibility is it to get them home?

1,000 or 10,000,000.... it doesn't matter.  Has an exit plan even been discussed?

All refugees regardless of the country from which the hail are allowed to pursue the avenues to legal immigrant and then naturalized citizenship.  That has not changed because the newest immigrants are Syrian.  Of course when the war is over or even before refugees can return to their homeland.  All the options are open to them. 

[finehoe]

I don't really care the actual number.

What is the plan once their civil war ends?

Are they going to be naturalized citizens?  Will they have visas?  Is there a plan in place to get them back home?  Are we expecting them to stay here?

What if they get here and don't like it?

Do they have a choice to go back after their war depending on who's in charge?  Who's responsibility is it to get them home?

1,000 or 10,000,000.... it doesn't matter.  Has an exit plan even been discussed?

The US has been accepting refugees since before WWII; this isn't a new phenomenon that nobody has thought about before:

http://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum