5 Refugee Myths and Why They’re Wrong

With the refugee crisis still in the spotlight, it’s important to draw the line between fact and fiction, in order to gain a more accurate worldview on the issue.

To help, we’ve done the research to uncover the truth behind five common refugee myths.

 

Myth #1: Refugees choose to leave their country.

Fact: A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.

Currently, an estimated 60 million men, women, and children are displaced, worldwide, the majority living in refugee camps within countries neighboring their own.

While an immigrant is someone who makes the choice to relocate to another country, a refugee’s only choice is to stay in danger, or flee.

 

 

Myth #2: Refugees are terrorists, trying to get into our country.

Fact: Refugees are men, women and children who are often fleeing terrorists themselves.

Terrorist groups such as ISIS and Boko Haram, who are known for their widespread massacres, have caused hundreds of thousands to relocate to safety.

The United States’ meticulous refugee application process can take up to two years. The rigorous 10-step security screening includes confirmation of refugee status by UNHCR, checks against watch lists, biometric screening, and in-person interviews.

Of 800,000+ refugees admitted to the U.S. since September 11, 2001, there is no record of even one committing an act of terrorism.

In an admonishing speech, by U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power, she said, “If your aim is to attack the United States, it is hard to imagine a more difficult way of trying to get here than by posing as a refugee.”

 

 

Myth #3: Refugees are hurting the economy.

Fact: Immigrants, including refugees, help the economy by starting new businesses, working tough jobs, and paying taxes.

 A study recently done by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealed that refugees have “had a net positive value in the United States over the past decade”—an estimated $291.1 billion in revenues, to be exact.

A report released by the Tent Foundation, explained this phenomenon: “Refugees who take jobs also create them. When they spend their wages, they boost demand for the people who produce the goods and services they consume.”

 

 

Myth #4: Refugees are freeloaders.

Fact: Refugees are given a mere 3-6 months assistance, and are expected to repay the cost of their plane ticket within 3 ½ years of their arrival.

As Samantha Power put it best, “You might be surprised… to learn how little refugees actually receive from the U.S. government. Resettlement agencies are given a one-time amount to cover initial housing, food, and other essential expenses of $2,025 for each refugee.”

With their remarkable resilience and the help of companies and organizations like Amplio, refugees are able to secure housing and jobs within this time frame, all while acclimating to an entirely new language and culture.

 

Myth #5: Refugees are taking all our jobs.

Fact: Most refugees are taking entry-level jobs, or creating jobs through starting their own businesses.

While most Americans scoff at low-paying service industry jobs, refugees are more than willing to take them on.

The U.S. construction, manufacturing and hospitality industries are experiencing notable labor shortages that refugees can help fill—that is, if they’re not starting their own company. A recent Harvard study showed immigrants are nearly twice as likely to start companies than native-born Americans.

 

The truth is, there are ample jobs to go around, and ample dependable employees to fill them with. Let Amplio connect you with this talented and dependable refugee workforce.

For more information about our services and benefits, visit www.ampliorecruting.com