# Syrian Refugees and the Moral Responsibility of the United States
*2015-09-10*

> Bill Young discusses the U.S. plan to admit 10,000 Syrian refugees, the broader context of the refugee crisis, and the moral imperative for Catholics to speak and act against injustice.

## The Numbers and the Context

The United States has announced it will accept 10,000 Syrian refugees next year. While that sounds like a generous figure, it is only a drop in the bucket compared with the more than two million Syrians displaced by the war. The percentage is well under five percent of the total need.

## Historical Responsibility

We must remember that U.S. foreign policy has contributed to the conditions that created many of these refugees. The “red line” drawn after the Syrian government crossed it, the subsequent lack of decisive support for opposition forces, and the rise of ISIS are all part of a chain of events in which the United States bears some responsibility.

## The Iran Nuclear Deal and Israel

Recent news also highlights the Iran nuclear agreement, which many fear could embolden Iran’s hostile rhetoric toward Israel. The Supreme Leader of Iran has warned that Israel could cease to exist within 25 years. Yet the deal enjoys support from many U.S. politicians, including a Jewish Democratic congresswoman. As a Catholic, I feel a deep connection to the Holy Land, the birthplace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Mary, and the apostles, and I am concerned about any policy that might threaten that heritage.

## A Moral Call to Action

Catholics are called to speak out against injustice. Accepting only a tiny fraction of refugees while we have helped create the conditions that forced them from their homes is morally insufficient. History reminds us of the 1930s tragedy when Jewish refugees were denied entry to the United States, only to be later murdered in the Holocaust. Inaction has real, tragic consequences.

We must pray, but we must also demand concrete action from our government—both to increase refugee admissions and to oppose policies, such as the Iran deal, that threaten peace and the safety of Israel.

## Looking Ahead

This is the first episode of “In the News – a Catholic perspective.” I hope to make this a daily podcast, inviting both unofficial and official Catholic commentary. Feel free to reach out on Twitter at @prayernlunch. I also look forward to having guests who can offer different viewpoints and, when possible, the official stance of the Church.

*Catholics must combine prayer with concrete political action to protect refugees and uphold the dignity of all peoples.*