We have a duty to welcome Syrian refugees

We find ourselves at a very difficult crossroad where we can repeat history or we can create it. What I refer to is the worldwide dilemma of Syrian refugees, who want better lives and who want to share in the American Dream but whose fate is hanging in the balance. This balance falls between freedom and anarchy.

Much debate has been raised about the ability of America’s intelligence services to properly screen Syrian refugees entering our homeland. The United States will conduct intelligence and security screenings of all refugees in a manner that best protects American citizens.

The National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Homeland Security as well as other intelligence services are absolutely capable of making sure any refugees that enter our borders will not pose a threat to you, your family or fellow Americans. Thoughts to the contrary about our intelligence services’ ability to effectively accomplish that mission are misguided and shortsighted.

America must live up to the ideal of supporting people who want to live and practice the American Dream and who are looking toward the United States as the beacon of freedom in this dark world. America must illuminate this path in order to reach that dream.

Many of the Syrian refugees are women, children and families seeking a better way of life away from terror. Historically America has benefited when we accept people that have a desire to practice the American Dream.

As the beacon of freedom in this world, we have a true obligation to hold our hand out to those looking for a hand to hold onto. Syrian refugees are perhaps one of the greatest examples of this statement.

This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 9:12 AM with the headline "We have a duty to welcome Syrian refugees."