The new debate to land itself into the American media is the debate over whether the United States should allow Syrian refugees into the country. The outrage over the Syrians coming over comes after the ISIS terrorist attacks on the city of Paris.

     Before getting into any opinion on the topic, some background. Why exactly are these Syrian people fleeing their country? It’s because their country is war-torn, there is violence from both the government and ISIS inside their boarders, and because the people want to protect their children. According to worldvision.org since the start of the Syrian Civil War, more than 240,000 people, including 12,000 children have been killed and One million more have been “wounded or permanently disabled.”

     Also according to worldvision.org, around 12 million Syrians have already fled their country, with half being children. Most of the refugees are in Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, while some are also making their way towards Europe. Even after the Paris attacks, France has publically announced that they will keep their boarders open to the Syrian refugees.

     So why are some states in the United States closing theirs? The United States has preached for the longest time about being a helping hand in peace and are supposed to be one of the best humanitarian efforts to ever grace the earth. However, with 31 states closing their boarders, it sure doesn’t seem like this country is very helping to what is the worst documented humanitarian crisis in the world.

    According to American University law professor Stephen I. Vladeck, the states can’t say it is legally objecting, “but it can refuse to cooperate, which makes thing much more difficult.” But why make it more difficult than it already is for these people? This war on terrorism is exactly that: a war against terrorism, like ISIS. It’s not a war against the Syrian people, who are innocent.

     I would love to see any of the governors who say they don’t want Syrian refugees in their state last an hour over in Syria. I genuinely feel for the people in Paris, but think about it. What happened in Paris happens to innocent Syrian people every single day, and sometimes it’s even worse for them.

     The Syrian people are human beings just like you and me. Sure, they dress differently, speak a different language, and have different customs, but that doesn’t mean they should be subjected to awful violence every day. These people are fleeing a country so they can live and actually have a life for them and their children. Why would we ever turn our backs on someone in need?

    It really all comes down to prejudice, really. Once people hear the words, “Syrian refugees” they immediately will look disgusted or mutter “terrorists.” I didn’t know that someone who was a Middle Eastern was automatically labeled as a terrorist. I’m a Middle Eastern-Russian, so does that make me a terrorist? No it doesn’t, and it shouldn’t.

     The United States has a history of helping those in need, so why should we stop now? I understand there needs to be security, but that can be worked out. National security means preparing ourselves and making background checks. It doesn’t mean completely shutting out those who need help. No matter what anyone says, this issue is a big one. Form whatever opinion you want, but I know for myself, I have no problem helping out the Syrian refugees. This issue is personal for me, and I will do everything that I possibly can to help the people that need our help.