This story of a Syrian family who sought refuge in the U.S. is “typical,” says Ruben Chandrasekar of the International Rescue Committee. “They want nothing more than safety, freedom, a welcoming environment and a fair shake.”
Secretary of State John Kerry agrees. Syrian refugees “come here looking for the possibility of a new life, and they want to contribute as good citizens to our country. And that is a tradition on which our country has been built.”
Welcoming refugees “strengthens our nation,” Kerry adds. Indeed, refugees have become groundbreaking physicists, award-winning musicians, members of Congress — and even secretaries of state.
The United States has always been a world leader in refugee resettlement. The U.S. has welcomed more than 3 million refugees since 1975, and more than 600,000 refugees in the last decade alone. In fiscal year 2016, the U.S. will welcome 85,000 refugees from around the world.
