It has been nearly a year since the deadly coordinated attacks in Paris left 130 dead.
In the aftermath of the attack, much of the West devolved into hysteria about the attackers being refugees and this was, once again, an example of the dangers of letting in Syrian refugees—even though the attackers were European Union citizens, not refugees.
For us in the states, the Paris attacks finally brought the issue of the 4.8 million Syrian refugees to our attention, and the conversation suddenly erupted about whether or not to welcome refugees into the United States.
Presidential candidates and congress people also shared their positions.
Many opponents have called for stricter screening and one presidential candidate has called for a “complete shutdown of Muslims entering the US”—which would impact many of the refugees.
Yet here we are, a year later with hardly anyone discussing the issue besides rare occasions or when it’s grouped with other foreign policy issues.
There is no doubt that this is one of the most overwhelming humanitarian crises that millennials have lived through.
Our friends in Europe see the crisis more visibly, as refugees flood their countries for help.
Meanwhile, on this side of the pond, the US has only accepted about 13,000 refugees so far this year—about .027%.
That’s right, the richest country on earth—that often intervenes around the world as a show of our good will—is practically sitting this one out.
The argument against Syrian refugees is not only often contradictory to our values, but also often incorrect.
Opponents have said that the majority of refugees are men, and that they often want to cause harm.
While, of course, the US should be cautious in admission and aid in the transitioning of refugees to American life, it’s also important to acknowledge the facts.
About half of the refugees are children, who generally aren’t murderers plotting the downfall of American democracy.
Regarding the adults, these people are fleeing our major enemy—ISIS.
In fact, ISIS has on numerous occasions labeled people who leave their caliphate as traitors.
Denying entry to these people would play directly into ISIS’s hands—ISIS would have more people to rule over and indoctrinate, while more people will have animosity toward the US for sending them back under ISIS’s brutal control.
Oh, and it’s important to note that, at least since 1980, not one of the millions of refugees admitted to the United States has committed an act of terrorism.
Not one.
America once sat on the sidelines and rejected a specific group of people entry to the country, which resulted in many of those people being murdered by Adolf Hitler.
We once demonstrated moral cowardice compared to moral courage, and humanity as a whole lost out.
That isn’t to say that the United States has always sat on the sidelines.
We have a history filled with compassionate action—and I’m not talking about the Western privileged “I’m helping so much. Look at me, I’m a great person.”
I’m talking about Lutheran churches hosting refugees in the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
I’m talking about communities that continue to come together to fight Islamophobia and continue interfaith dialogue.
We’ve already been doing this—so why stop now?
As Americans, immigration and diversity are vital to our way of life.
After all, take a peak at a penny and you’ll see the phrase E Pluribus Unum—Out of Many, One—scribbled on the tails side.
Having people come here and delve into the American lifestyle while also maintaining and sharing aspects of their culture reflects the American fabric.
Syrians, especially those in need, have a place in that Many.
The Syrian Refugee Crisis continues, and therefore so should our conversations and advocacy.
Accepting thousands of people into our country isn’t going to be easy—I never said it would—but when has the United States backed down from a challenge?
An easy way to be an advocate on this issue is to simply vote on Tuesday, while keeping in mind how we want the world to view America’s courage and compassion.