Letter to the editor: York County refugee ban un-American

County refugee ban un-American

We strongly object to Councilman Henderson’s motion and the County Council’s latest motion with regard to the relocation of Syrian refugees. Banning all refugees based solely on their country of origin is xenophobic and un-American, even without addressing this stance’s moral implications. This country was founded by religious refugees and our Founding Fathers provided for legal refuge for people escaping violent persecution in their homelands. We, as Americans, aspire to be a beacon of light for world.

As Councilman Williams stated, Councilman Henderson’s motion reminded him of this country’s disgraceful internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. The historical commonplace rejection of German Jews during WWII, concerned that such persons were spies just by virtue of the fact that they were leaving Germany, also comes to mind. Under the council’s motion, if one replaced the country Syria with Germany, Albert Einstein would have be refused U.S. immigration. As is, Steve Jobs’ dad would have been refused relocation to York County. The county’s motion is based on xenophobic notions and incites fearmongering; something we expect our elected officials to fight rather than incite.

We can understand increased scrutiny of refugees seeking asylum. However, how about the county address the overcrowding of schools more? Further tackle Lake Wylie growth concerns including the attendant environmental lake impacts. Attend to York County roads which we travel everyday trying to avoid potholes. County meth and pot homes are more immediate problems. Even the lack of athletic fields for children is a greater local concern. There are more relevant, legal and productive uses of council’s time.

Morally, this stance against refugees escaping terrible, unimaginable living environments is the opposite of principled global citizenship and American ideals. It is the opposite of religious brotherly/sisterly love and goodwill toward all men.

This story was originally published December 26, 2015 at 8:54 PM with the headline "Letter to the editor: York County refugee ban un-American."