Thoughts on Syrian refugees, from an Immigrant

When I left my home country of Venezuela to live in Colombia, Brazil and eventually the U.S., there was an obvious feeling of sadness to leave the "world" I knew at 6 years of age, and again at 15. I left Venezuela twice, in 1992 and then again in 2000 (I moved back, the country didn't follow me to where I was). However, the reasons for my family moving was simply a much better job opportunity for my father. Our safety was relatively fine, we were not politically persecuted. The current situation we see in Venezuela now was in its infancy.

Living in the U.S. had it's challenges. Adapting to a new culture, learning a new language and dealing with this country's immigration laws. I've probably had 3 different types of Visas while living here, and could not work until I was 20 years old and finally received a work permit, followed by my green card. Five years after that I became a citizen. It was challenging, but I forgot to mention that it was the corporation that my father worked for that sponsored us, fast tracking this process drastically. They handled the paperwork for the Visas and having their sponsoring for the green card, it was a virtual guarantee that our process was going to be approved. I cannot describe the joy I felt when I had my own American passport in my hands.

In perspective, being alive is plenty to celebrate

In contrast, the Syrian refugees are fleeing to the west for much more pressing circumstances, to say the least. The civil war tearing their country apart have forced hundreds of thousands of Syrians to escape their country, and find safe passage to a life with peace. Entire families seeking peaceful lands in Europe and even the U.S. are now the target of media and political scrutiny. While politicians make up their minds and debate the pros and cons of receiving Syrian refugees, many of them die waiting.

I relate to them in some way. I wanted to come here. But they have no choice but to leave their country if they want to live. And now I pose some honest questions, and I hope I don't sound condescending in any way. Should Syrians be allowed in without the proper immigration process that most of us immigrants had to undergo? Should they be given special privileges? Government housing? An allowance? Work permit?

But why them? Why make an exception to Syrians? How about the thousands of Colombians in the 90s and early 00s escaping violence as their government fought guerrilla forces across the country? Could that be considered a civil war? How about the millions of Mexicans that escape poverty, hunger and violence to come to the U.S. like the have for decades now? Should they be granted asylum? Amnesty? What about the thousands of Venezuelans now, escaping communism, political persecution and uncontrolled violence? Why them? Why not others? What if the French want to come here fearing there may be more bomb attacks in France? What if a massive Greek immigration wave decides to come here escaping a bankrupt country?

Selfies, hoodies and jeans, might as well be "American"
refugees

I really don't know the answers to these questions. I understand the fear of immigration from many Americans and the fear is clear. It's racism, it's fear of the unknown. Germans and Italians were welcomed in this country even with WWII fresh in their memories. English, Irish, Polish even Russians. Even Canadians. But it seems that once their skin color is darker than white, or their language, religion or country is not one we can easily recognize in one of the Epcot world showcase pavilions, they should be "vetted", "background checked" or scrutinized somehow at best, if not denied entrance. Remember, during WWII, it was Japanese Americans that were placed in concentration camps, not German Americans or Italian Americans. So let's put our racism aside, and treat people for what they are, individuals. And let's welcome them, like you welcomed me.