These people will only drain your coffers , they will not add value to your country. Look at the history of the world and it will tell you all.
18
That is what was said of my ancestors when they escaped the famine of Ireland to come to the United States.
9
This family lost everything, got themselves to a refugee camp, built themselves a solid house, started a viable small business, taught themselves English, got to the US and have plans to learn sensible trades. They will be a tax paying asset to the country probably within a few years. They have the drive and intelligence to succeed. Are you that hardworking or ambitious yourself? Could you survive and thrive the way they have under those circumstances? If you could, then you should not have such a pessimistic view of their chances.
29
Most refugees find work as soon as possible.
13
It is easy to understand that a refugee will take the first best opportunity to escape to a better place, but I would counsel Canada over the US, especially Arkansas, especially in the Age of Trump.
11
It appears these (and the other waiting) refuges have been more thoroughly vetted by the U.S. than Mr. Trump, his family, staff, and appointees. I hope they flourish in America and feel loved and welcomed.
34
Ain't that God's ever loving truth! Trump and company don't seem to have been vetted at all. How many deserving people are now going to be turned away because of some arbitrary, nonsensical and completely useless decree by the Orange Emperor?
17
How much rent, food, medical assistance do taxpayers pay for each refugee?
How long does that aid last? Do the resettlement groups pay out of pocket for this? I wish the media would clearly spell this out....it would end a lot of confusion over the issue.
How long does that aid last? Do the resettlement groups pay out of pocket for this? I wish the media would clearly spell this out....it would end a lot of confusion over the issue.
18
@confusedreader - I volunteer at Refugee One, which I think is typical of such agencies. The goal is to get folks on their own feet, meaning "job," as the clients say. They do get money, but mainly for the first 6 months. They all want to be self-sufficient and work hard to learn sufficient English to get the jobs open to them (which are low-wage, hard work even for those who held professional jobs or owned their own business in their native country).
I don't know fully about funding, but know it is a public/private partnership with the federal government providing some of the funding through refugee agencies (which, in turn, set up apartments, provide initial support in terms of food, learning the culture, learning English etc.). No one is coming and getting endless money handed to them. It is clearly time limited.
I don't know fully about funding, but know it is a public/private partnership with the federal government providing some of the funding through refugee agencies (which, in turn, set up apartments, provide initial support in terms of food, learning the culture, learning English etc.). No one is coming and getting endless money handed to them. It is clearly time limited.
18
Do you raise this same alarm about corptorate welfare in this country? How about the estimated $9 BILLION that the federal government spends on benefits for Walmart employees because that corporation refuses to pay a living wage? Or what about our bloated defense budget with inordinate amounts of cash being thrown at needless weapons systems because they are house in someone's district? Or what about those congressional boondoggles that exist for no other reason than to get some congressional representative or federal senator re-elected? The list goes on and on.
Mr. Hislop is right. Refugees want, above all, a sense of normalcy, which includes self-sufficiency. To say the least, that lack of normalcy is why they fled in the first place. I know because I taught their children in public schools -- at taxpayer expense, as you would put it. That was an excellent investment on your part, I might add. These families give FAR more to this country than they take from it.
The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
Mr. Hislop is right. Refugees want, above all, a sense of normalcy, which includes self-sufficiency. To say the least, that lack of normalcy is why they fled in the first place. I know because I taught their children in public schools -- at taxpayer expense, as you would put it. That was an excellent investment on your part, I might add. These families give FAR more to this country than they take from it.
The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
16
The State Department provides a one-time payment of $1125 per refugee. This money goes though the resettlement agency. They use it to pay for things like a security deposit & first month's rent on an apartment, as well as furnishings and other supplies (because the apartment must be rented & fully furnished before the refugees arrive). The money that is left over after these expenses is then given to the refugees. Refugees are also available for public benefits, like SNAP & cash assistance, as soon as they arrive in the United States. Considering that refugees often arrive in the United States with no cash & very few belongings, it's not much to start a life in a new country where you may not even speak the language.
6
There are a lot of very kind and generous people in Fayetteville, my home town. I am filled with pride that Fayetteville was one of the first southern cities to desegregate following the Supreme Court decision. It's an even better place to live now.
This family sounds like one that will prosper there and I predict that they will contribute to their community far more than the support they are now receiving. Most immigrants are eager to work hard to take advantage of the opportunity to live here. The belief that they are a drain on society is just wrong.
The United States is far from overpopulated. We need more immigrants who have faced extreme hardship in their native lands and seek to build a better life here, just as our ancestors did. We need to hear their stories, as we will appreciate anew the privilege of living in a land where militias do not show up at our doorstep to terrorize, maim and kill. They are very likely to take nothing for granted and will extend the hand of friendship to others in thanks.
This family sounds like one that will prosper there and I predict that they will contribute to their community far more than the support they are now receiving. Most immigrants are eager to work hard to take advantage of the opportunity to live here. The belief that they are a drain on society is just wrong.
The United States is far from overpopulated. We need more immigrants who have faced extreme hardship in their native lands and seek to build a better life here, just as our ancestors did. We need to hear their stories, as we will appreciate anew the privilege of living in a land where militias do not show up at our doorstep to terrorize, maim and kill. They are very likely to take nothing for granted and will extend the hand of friendship to others in thanks.
29
Jon. This is far from PC news but the u.s., according to every study done, has exceeded the long term carrying capacity of its environment by at least 100 million people. Read the Jordan report. She was a black democratic legislator who headed the commission. Unfortunately, if you are a true environmentalist, as most of the left claim to be, you have to be for a population REDUCTION in this country and the world. Even w BHO opening up fossil fuel development to levels not seen in 40 years in this country we are still net import oil importers for example. The single worst thing you can do for the planet is turn a relatively low carbon footprint immigrant into a huge carbon footprint American the fact that they have large families only makes it worse. We are the third most populous country on earth, behind only India and China. We do ourselves and the world no favors by trying to catch them.
19
Yes, we do need population control and reduction. And we need our news organizations to be brave enough to openly discuss the urgent need for birth control. But I do not think that is a good argument for halting immigration by refugees. Refugees already exist on the planet and America has better resources for them. Redistributing them to more affluent nations gives them a chance to learn about family planning and gives them access to education and birth control products not available in their homelands. And with a better education perhaps one of these families will produce someone with cultural links to their homelands who can figure out better ways to communicate and solve such global problems.
4
The heartless selfishness of so many of these comments make me sick to my stomach. These people are not just immigrants, they are refugees. Members of their family were murdered, the kidnapped father was tortured. Since they fled their home, I assume there was no legal recourse for them and that their lives were still in danger. They left everything they ever knew and owned to end up in a refugee camp. The father was a successful business man before (despite the condescending comments about "seller of cows"... do you look down on American farmers and ranchers, too?) and he became one again at the camp, and built a home, yes, out of adobe bricks just like we often use here in the Southwest. This family is obviously entrepreneurial, with a self sufficient attitude, and they have managed to stay together through many difficult years. How many more of "these people" should we let in? As many as we can. These are the people who built this country over the past 2 centuries, again and again. They have replenished and renewed America, they represent the ideal American spirit perfectly.
43
Exactly!
3
I truly feel sorry for this poor family. They are totally unaware of the virulent racism, xenophobia and hatred in their new home, not to mention exorbitant education and health care costs, though they will soon find out. Even the comments on this so-called progressive publication are dripping with racism. If this was a white family, you can bet your bottom dollar that there would not be one negative comment. For their sake, I hope they will be able to return home soon or resettle in a more tolerant country.
9
I lived in Fayetteville for four years. It's a nice town and the only place I'd live in Arkansas. I wish them well. Wal-Mart's home office is located in Bentonville, in a different county and north of Fayetteville. Outsiders tend to lump the northwest Arkansas region together, but these two towns are decidedly different.
3
I'm pretty surprised that anti-immigrant sentiment has become so pervasive that so many New York Times readers see this family as a threat rather than an inspiration. We take in refugees because we are a large, wealthy nation, and we can afford to do the right thing. We can also afford to take care of our own people (although we don't). It's not an either/or situation.
27
Dear Mwenda's,
Welcome to Northwest Arkansas! Let me start by saying, I hope you are reunited with your loved one soon.
As someone not originally from this part of the U.S., let me tell you, it is a great place with tremendous hospitality. There are beautiful parks and lots of arts and music activities. I am sure you will take these in over the course of the next few months.
But like most refugees, you are probably wanting to get started working and there are a lot of opportunities, so much so, that a group called EngageNWA, which is comprised of local governments, non-profits, universities and businesses, was formed with the goal to create a community of engaged global talent for the region. Creating this community is so important because Northwest Arkansas has a 2.5% unemployment rate. This means we have a big need for more labor at all levels. I am especially happy to hear that some of you are interested in the trades. People with trade skills will be critical for fueling this continued growth.
In addition, Fayetteville, your new home town, is the "Startup City of the South" and has a great entrepreneurial community. New Americans have proven to be the most entrepreneurial group and you will find many resources to help. I am sure you will bring new business ideas to our region.
So welcome to Northwest Arkansas and thank you for being part of our community! We look forward to welcoming your brother John when he arrives.
Welcome to Northwest Arkansas! Let me start by saying, I hope you are reunited with your loved one soon.
As someone not originally from this part of the U.S., let me tell you, it is a great place with tremendous hospitality. There are beautiful parks and lots of arts and music activities. I am sure you will take these in over the course of the next few months.
But like most refugees, you are probably wanting to get started working and there are a lot of opportunities, so much so, that a group called EngageNWA, which is comprised of local governments, non-profits, universities and businesses, was formed with the goal to create a community of engaged global talent for the region. Creating this community is so important because Northwest Arkansas has a 2.5% unemployment rate. This means we have a big need for more labor at all levels. I am especially happy to hear that some of you are interested in the trades. People with trade skills will be critical for fueling this continued growth.
In addition, Fayetteville, your new home town, is the "Startup City of the South" and has a great entrepreneurial community. New Americans have proven to be the most entrepreneurial group and you will find many resources to help. I am sure you will bring new business ideas to our region.
So welcome to Northwest Arkansas and thank you for being part of our community! We look forward to welcoming your brother John when he arrives.
40
These stories are very touching and heart tugging. However, we need to look at a bigger picture as to why the u.s. takes in more refugees than anybody else. We have a social welfare net that is far more generous than the perfectly safe countires these people go thru to get here. They generally have huge families and once chain migration gets going it never really ends. No one wants to discuss this, but is this the best use of u.s. tax payer funds when so many Americans who, unfortunately for them, already live here, have so many unmet needs? 40% of the working age people in this country are unemployed or under employed. Our enfrasrtucture, education system, and on and on are falling apart. Can and should we be the worlds repository for its millions of unhappy/unfortunate people?
22
It is simply not true that the US takes more refugees than other countries:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_refugee_population
The pages provides the UN source data.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_refugee_population
The pages provides the UN source data.
4
Al, where did your family come from, and when, to the US? How do you contribute to the infrastructure, education, and so on? You seem to imply you are a taxpayer, as are the rest of us who came here from somewhere else. Including many undocumented. Do you have a huge family? I was born in NC in 1955 and I have four siblings. My parents, grandparents, and great grandparents going back to before the Mayflower were born here. They came here from Europe and took land from the native people of the Americas. What skills do you offer?
5
how could you possibly think we take in more refugees than most? our response to human suffering is shameful and it is shameful to state otherwise.
7
Why can't we vet people like Canada does, by allowing in only those who have skills we need?
Agree with others: let's follow up and see how this family is doing in 6 months.
Agree with others: let's follow up and see how this family is doing in 6 months.
19
It's just too many people...Africa's population is EXPLODING...so is the population in the Middle East.
I didn't vote for Trump but I applaud his actions on immigration. The US population has grown by 75 million humans since 1990--a mere 27 years. We are now at 320 million with no end in sight. Over the past 30 years nearly all of our population growth has stemmed from immigration and the offspring of immigrants.
Liberals can relax that we are a diverse nation--whites will soon be in the minority.
But don't we have enough people already?
I didn't vote for Trump but I applaud his actions on immigration. The US population has grown by 75 million humans since 1990--a mere 27 years. We are now at 320 million with no end in sight. Over the past 30 years nearly all of our population growth has stemmed from immigration and the offspring of immigrants.
Liberals can relax that we are a diverse nation--whites will soon be in the minority.
But don't we have enough people already?
36
BTW: U.S. birth rates are at historic lows.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/03/health/united-states-fertility-rate.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/03/health/united-states-fertility-rate.html
3
Oh, but we don't want to endorse birth control or family planning, do we? The numbers of children these African and Middle Eastern families have is obscene considering the effects on the globe and the effects these crushing populations will have on they themselves. Shame on the Christian Right.
7
Why don't you just say what you really mean: "Don't we have enough black people already?". I truly feel sorry for this poor family. They are in for a rude awakening.
In any case, the United States is a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention and is thus legally obligated to take in its fair share of refugees. To date, it has taken in far, far fewer refugees than its counterparts in the Western world. If you don't want [dark-skinned] refugees in your country, stop creating refugee crises in their countries.
In any case, the United States is a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention and is thus legally obligated to take in its fair share of refugees. To date, it has taken in far, far fewer refugees than its counterparts in the Western world. If you don't want [dark-skinned] refugees in your country, stop creating refugee crises in their countries.
4
Africa alone, produces a net 30 million people per year. This is added to the 1 billion living there now, which is far more than the continent can ever support. Shall we take the net 30 million per year? How about 50 million so we can start bringing down the 500 million excess? Where does it end? What about the billions in other countries who aren't happy? Who gets lucky and who has to stay? Is this the best use of our dwindling resources and increasing needs here?
26
I would visit your nearest native american reservation and ask that question.
5
Well, we ought to be funding birth control initiatives overseas as well. But instead the GOP and the Catholic Church do everything in their power to derail such efforts. Acknowledging that overpopulation is a problem is anathema to the Catholic Church and most religious conservatives. The fight over abortion has completely destroyed any intelligent discussion of the global need for basic family planning and contraceptive education.
11
Ask yourself what people here would do or have done in the past. Leave our country, or take justice against the criminals? We can not accept more people in our over populated country, now if you have special talents sure, if not fix your home country, we might help you to do so.
22
Given the number of negative comments about admitting immigrants like this family, I hope the Times will follow up and provide updates as to how this family fares and progresses. From an economics standpoint, we will actually need more immigrants in order to grow productivity. This is especially true given our aging society. Additionally, I think it is likely these immigrants will take almost any kind of job - unlike many Americans. That being said, I also agree with the philosophy that more needs to be done to alleviate the poor governance and civil strife that is causing the migration of millions of people. This desire will accelerate if drought and other climate related catastrophes are not abated over the next generation.
37
Your idea that we need immigrants I find idiotic. We will need much fewer humans and only highly educated and competent ones. Automation and robots will be replacing humans. No need for drivers, 3D printers making stuff at your house, robot care givers for the elderly, lots of things are coming to replace humans.
24
The world and the u.s. are in a permanent over supply of humans and labor. There are millions of Americans not working. We should do something about that before adding more people.
16
ROBOT CAREGIVERS!!! Dear Lord, take me now!!
6
Americans should be assured that proper vetting is taking place in a remote war torn village without electricity? PSHAW!
23
And without any reliable evidence, there folks might be fine, but the vetting always relies on them telling someone that they are fine. I don't trust anybody under these circumstances.
10
Refugees like the Mwendas already undergo extensive background checks, and it is extremely rare for any of them to engage in terrorist behavior.
Please familiarize yourself with the process. U.S. government officials do the vetting and fingerprinting in the refugee camps, send them to U.S. agencies, etc.!
Remember many more WHITE AMERICAN men commit terrorist acts in this country than foreign-born refugees!
Please familiarize yourself with the process. U.S. government officials do the vetting and fingerprinting in the refugee camps, send them to U.S. agencies, etc.!
Remember many more WHITE AMERICAN men commit terrorist acts in this country than foreign-born refugees!
17
I trust homegrown American racist white males less than anyone.
5
Trump is right to cut off America from refugees.
26
Not mentioned in article but something commenters seem to lack awareness of is that refugees sign an IOU to pay back travel costs. So cold hearted concern trolls needn't worry that "worthy" taxpayer funded issues (homeless & vets mentioned) will go a begging (-- at least until fiscal "conservatives" demand cuts there as well.)
The number of children or previous work are pretty simple assumptions from which to make such bold assertions -- certainly free from any basis in any actual data about refugee families outcomes and stemming only from personal beliefs about what such things must mean.
"The International Organization for Migration (IOM) covers the cost of U.S.-bound tickets with funding provided by the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. The loan money repaid to the U.S. government is invested back into the U.S. refugee program, according to the State Department." (info pasted from 2015 Newsweek article; Google is great for checking facts before getting up the soapbox and holding forth)
The number of children or previous work are pretty simple assumptions from which to make such bold assertions -- certainly free from any basis in any actual data about refugee families outcomes and stemming only from personal beliefs about what such things must mean.
"The International Organization for Migration (IOM) covers the cost of U.S.-bound tickets with funding provided by the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. The loan money repaid to the U.S. government is invested back into the U.S. refugee program, according to the State Department." (info pasted from 2015 Newsweek article; Google is great for checking facts before getting up the soapbox and holding forth)
19
This family will work harder than most native-born Americans in jobs that most Americans will refuse to do. They will work in industries where employers can't find employees who can pass drug tests, and their children will be motivated to achieve success because of the opportunities they've been provided. We can't get enough of people like this coming to the US. If I could ship the Americans making the anti-refugee comments to the Congo, I would. We'd save on medicare costs for their opioid addictions.
44
Yes if we could swap that might be great, we can't. Fix our citizens so that they will do the jobs, fix their addictions.
8
In some cases, these families don't adjust to a radically different lifestyle and actually end up going back. It's not always happily-ever-after. I wish them a lot of luck.
7
Americans resent these people because they are aspirational. Mr Menenda (sp?) found enterprising ways in a REFUGEE Camp, for heaven's sake! Too many Americans have lost that entrepreneurial urge, if they ever had it to begin with. I am not a stellar example myself, but I know enough to recognize my failings rather than blame them on somebody or some government program. That attitude appears rampant in MAGA America.
4
The Mwenda family has entered the U.S. legally. They have learned to speak English (even though the U.S. has no official language). They are a nuclear family led by a father and mother. They have ambitions, with Mr. Mwenda demonstrating industriousness to support his family. They have been through the vetting process - background, security and medical.. Their initial start is being underwritten by nonprofit organizations, not the U.S. taxpayer. Yet some people commenting here criticize their presence (the Mwenda's can't help the race they are).
So many Americans speak of their ancestors having come to this country from nations in Europe, perhaps in families very much like this one. Many if not most of those families started here with nothing when they arrived. Did those families contribute nothing economically or socially to the U.S.? Is the story of immigration and seeking a better life only relevant when it's a Caucasian story?
So many Americans speak of their ancestors having come to this country from nations in Europe, perhaps in families very much like this one. Many if not most of those families started here with nothing when they arrived. Did those families contribute nothing economically or socially to the U.S.? Is the story of immigration and seeking a better life only relevant when it's a Caucasian story?
67
Great points and for me race, religion, etc. make no difference. We don't need any more population. We especially don't need low capability individuals, we have plenty of those. Yes in the past the US was under populated and we were wealthy. Both are in the past.
25
The United States is far from the most densely populated country. It is still a wealthy country. What is different are shifts in population towards urban centers as we've changed from an agricultural society (same has occurred in the U.K.).
The same is true of our wealth. Workers contribute towards the success and wealth of companies, and the fruit of this labor is often not shared - meager salary and benefits; stock and profit sharing are rare.
Families like this can help revitalize some of our formerly prosperous cities. In New Jersey, a dying city - Riverside - became a bustling community of Brazilian immigrants who opened shops, rented apartments and bought homes, and created a bustling economy in a dying town. That is, until anti-immigrant sentiment and targeted zoning laws forced them away. The town is dying again.
I welcome the Mwenda family and hope their nephew John Feruzi is able to join soon. The United States is a nation of immigrants, even through wars, depressions and far worse conditions than what most complain about today. We can certainly accommodate these and other refugees. Families from Africa should be welcome to live here even when they are not arriving in chains and enslaved.
The same is true of our wealth. Workers contribute towards the success and wealth of companies, and the fruit of this labor is often not shared - meager salary and benefits; stock and profit sharing are rare.
Families like this can help revitalize some of our formerly prosperous cities. In New Jersey, a dying city - Riverside - became a bustling community of Brazilian immigrants who opened shops, rented apartments and bought homes, and created a bustling economy in a dying town. That is, until anti-immigrant sentiment and targeted zoning laws forced them away. The town is dying again.
I welcome the Mwenda family and hope their nephew John Feruzi is able to join soon. The United States is a nation of immigrants, even through wars, depressions and far worse conditions than what most complain about today. We can certainly accommodate these and other refugees. Families from Africa should be welcome to live here even when they are not arriving in chains and enslaved.
21
humm. We don't need more low capability individuals, you are are correct, we have plenty of them. Who were born here, of parents and grandparents who were born here. I take it you are not an anchor child vulcanalex, so why not explain to us all what special capabilities you contribute?
1
An issue that has largely been under reported regarding the issue of immigrants and refugees is Iraq and Afghanistan linguists that have been placed on a "blacklist," that usually cites the phrase, "Security checks or other information available to us revealed derogatory information." Many Afghans risked their lives serving along side Defense Department forces and passed multiple counter intelligence investigations and polygraph examinations; yet, are now on a State Department blacklist that prevents the individual from applying for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), authorized by the U.S. Congress. Moreover, the State Department does not work with the individual in terms of providing the interpreter with the evidence that supports the denial of a SIV. In Afghanistan, it's a well known tactic that the Taliban would find out the names of interpreters working for U.S. and coalition forces, then call the Afghan consulate or Mission Essential Personal (MEP), a U.S. military contracting company that hires local interpreters, or the U.S. Embassy and file erroneous allegations in order to keep the interpreters in the country — blacklist them — and then kill them once they were found. It's an insidious thought for an Afghan that risked his life and the life of his or her family in hopes of a better future, only to have the country they were serving break a deeply personal promise. inserting hopelessness into individuals who live in a country where hope is not a common vernacular.
18
“This country is very organized.” Mr. Mwenda said.
WRONG, Mr. Mwenda. Compared to what? Compared to Congo? As an American myself and reading the "welcome" words from comments on this board I wish you and your family had settled in Austria. You and your family would even have Health Care as refugees. You are now living in Trump's Nightmare land. I wish you love and luck--you'll need both very soon. Bless you all.
WRONG, Mr. Mwenda. Compared to what? Compared to Congo? As an American myself and reading the "welcome" words from comments on this board I wish you and your family had settled in Austria. You and your family would even have Health Care as refugees. You are now living in Trump's Nightmare land. I wish you love and luck--you'll need both very soon. Bless you all.
18
Did Austria welcome them and they refused? You are mistaken, CT. America is larger than Trump. We have this sacred experiment that we have been at for a while- each election shows the country where the fault lines are. The job of the rest of us is to try and repair her, make her better.
In the struggle towards a better union, sometimes there are setbacks.
In the struggle towards a better union, sometimes there are setbacks.
22
Trust that there are some people who are welcoming them here and committed to their success. Selfishly, it's helping us "redeem our country's narrative," as one person on our sponsor team so eloquently said. I am committed to be their friends as long as they'll allow-and have daydreams about attending their children's graduations.
6
9 kids?
9?
No means to support them, no support system, no job?
Ok, I guess I'll just work a little harder and save less for retirement.
9?
No means to support them, no support system, no job?
Ok, I guess I'll just work a little harder and save less for retirement.
63
One of the stipulations of refugee resettlement programs, such as Canopy (who helped with the resettlement of the Mwenda family) is that they do have a support system from families in local religious organizations, as well as job training in place so that they are working and able to be off of government assistance after three months.
Also, considering the lack of accessible healthcare in the DRC (including birth control), and the fact that the oldest sons are old enough to work themselves to help support the family, why is the number of their kids even an issue?
Also, considering the lack of accessible healthcare in the DRC (including birth control), and the fact that the oldest sons are old enough to work themselves to help support the family, why is the number of their kids even an issue?
18
These so-called stipulations you refer to are honored more in the breach than otherwise. I would be willing to bet that they will still be on some sort of aid for years. So less help for our opioid victims and veterans living under bridges.
17
Your "stipulation" is nonsense. Sure on the websites these organizations all say that this their goal, but in reality very few refugees are self-sustaining when the federal taxpayer support stops.
There is no "stipulation" that refugees must be self-sustaining, it's simply a goal and it's a goal that is ignored.
After a year when these religious organizations stop their constant support, these people will quickly be on the welfare rolls. And then the religious organization will wash their hands and go off to the next refugee.
I'm fine with taking refugees but there has to be one rule change -- the religious organizations have to sponsor them FOR LIFE (housing, food, medical care) with no taxpayer support. Let the congregants in these churches raise money OUT OF THEIR OWN FUNDS instead of using taxpayer dollars, and let them do it for the entire life of the refugee. Let's see them put their money where their mouth is.
There is no "stipulation" that refugees must be self-sustaining, it's simply a goal and it's a goal that is ignored.
After a year when these religious organizations stop their constant support, these people will quickly be on the welfare rolls. And then the religious organization will wash their hands and go off to the next refugee.
I'm fine with taking refugees but there has to be one rule change -- the religious organizations have to sponsor them FOR LIFE (housing, food, medical care) with no taxpayer support. Let the congregants in these churches raise money OUT OF THEIR OWN FUNDS instead of using taxpayer dollars, and let them do it for the entire life of the refugee. Let's see them put their money where their mouth is.
24
Please, no more immigrants that will bring nothing to the table economically or socially for America. We have enough illegal and legal immigrants who have overburdened our ability to provide them with welfare and health services. Let the rest of the world step up to the challenge for a change. According to The Times the U.S.A. is a pariah to the rest of the world since we have rejected the Paris Accords, so let them pull out their wallets to support these refugees.
39
Please educate yourself.
"Immigrants now launch more than a quarter of U.S. businesses."
https://www.inc.com/magazine/201502/adam-bluestein/the-most-entrepreneur...
"Immigrants now launch more than a quarter of U.S. businesses."
https://www.inc.com/magazine/201502/adam-bluestein/the-most-entrepreneur...
9
Truly tragic stories. Now, consider:
There are 77 Million people in DRC; 11 million in Somolia; 39 million in Uganda (probably about 1 million are gay, if percentages track the US). The overwhelming majority of these people live in conditions which would appall anyone in the US. Most are poor; most are threatened; likely all are oppressed.
How many do you suggest we admit?
Billions of people have similar stories, every bit as compelling. How do you justify admitting these few folks, and not the billions left behind?
It's entirely possible that none of these folks will ever be a burden to the taxpayers. It's almost certain that none will become terrorists.
But there is simply no moral way to allow A to come while excluding B. And absent huge improvements around the world, billions of people will continue to suffer; virtually all would be delighted to emigrate. How do you justify denying them ALL entry?
You can feel good about "saving" a family or two, but the (apparently private) resources employed would be much better spent improving their conditions at home, where they could save billions. Moving a few people to AR makes Times readers feel superior, but does nothing to solve the problems which created their desire to come here.
This family looks like it is precisely the sort that DRC will need if it is to improve. Yes, they're better off now; what about those left behind?
We cannot save the world HERE. We have to save it THERE.
There are 77 Million people in DRC; 11 million in Somolia; 39 million in Uganda (probably about 1 million are gay, if percentages track the US). The overwhelming majority of these people live in conditions which would appall anyone in the US. Most are poor; most are threatened; likely all are oppressed.
How many do you suggest we admit?
Billions of people have similar stories, every bit as compelling. How do you justify admitting these few folks, and not the billions left behind?
It's entirely possible that none of these folks will ever be a burden to the taxpayers. It's almost certain that none will become terrorists.
But there is simply no moral way to allow A to come while excluding B. And absent huge improvements around the world, billions of people will continue to suffer; virtually all would be delighted to emigrate. How do you justify denying them ALL entry?
You can feel good about "saving" a family or two, but the (apparently private) resources employed would be much better spent improving their conditions at home, where they could save billions. Moving a few people to AR makes Times readers feel superior, but does nothing to solve the problems which created their desire to come here.
This family looks like it is precisely the sort that DRC will need if it is to improve. Yes, they're better off now; what about those left behind?
We cannot save the world HERE. We have to save it THERE.
88
I'm sure being a salesman of cattle, gold, and other commodities will be a great career for Mr. Mwenda in Arkansas, and we taxpayers totally won't have to support this man and his nine children. God forbid we should waste precious resources on struggling Americans.
45
Copied from one of my earlier comments: "One of the stipulations of refugee resettlement programs, such as Canopy (who helped with the resettlement of the Mwenda family) is that they do have a support system from families in local religious organizations, as well as job training in place so that they are working and able to be off of government assistance after three months."
Also, from the article itself: "They hope to soon find work, in the poultry, food service, construction or retail sectors. “I want to work and study to be an electrician,” said Jules, the eldest son." I live in Northwest Arkansas, there are many MANY jobs in these fields that will be able to pay a liveable wage, especially considering the older sons are planning on working as well. Please, actually read the article and the information it provides before making blanket statements about all immigrants.
Also, from the article itself: "They hope to soon find work, in the poultry, food service, construction or retail sectors. “I want to work and study to be an electrician,” said Jules, the eldest son." I live in Northwest Arkansas, there are many MANY jobs in these fields that will be able to pay a liveable wage, especially considering the older sons are planning on working as well. Please, actually read the article and the information it provides before making blanket statements about all immigrants.
37
I know right? It sounds like he's an incredibly hard worker and devoted family man, teaching his children the same values of hard work, which is definitely not what this country needs more than ever.
16
No more refugees except to funnel them on through to Trudeau's open arms in Canada. The US needs to focus on distressed American citizens before helping outsiders. Let the new set of world leaders (China, Canada) take in the tired and poor. We are tapped out.
@GH - It seems a stretch to expect this family to no longer need government assistance after only three months in the US. What happens if they aren't weaned from Uncle Sam by then, will they be deported? Of course not. They will be receiving aid for some time. So much for that wink-wink stipulation.
@GH - It seems a stretch to expect this family to no longer need government assistance after only three months in the US. What happens if they aren't weaned from Uncle Sam by then, will they be deported? Of course not. They will be receiving aid for some time. So much for that wink-wink stipulation.
4
Welcome to these United States, Mwenda family. You will feel a lot of love - there are more good people here than bad. But you will hear negativity, and barely suppressed anger in seeing you admitted into the country, and chide you with self aggrandizing and patronizing remarks peppered with words like "Lifeboat ethics". Ignore them. Take the time to get a good calm mindset, and work towards achievable goals you have set for yourself and your family. Meanwhile, enjoy the simple pleasures of life in a new, welcoming country.
Again, from one immigrant to another, welcome to the USA. May be call back the journalist in a year and tell us how your first year has gone.
Again, from one immigrant to another, welcome to the USA. May be call back the journalist in a year and tell us how your first year has gone.
34
The Democratic republic of the Congo’s population went from 12M in 1950, to 20M in 1970, to 39M in 1992 to to 66M in 2009 and alas to 82 MILLION people in 2017. It would have surged a lot more but for the violence as the surging populations push different groups up against each other wiping out wildlife, leading to all sort of misery while destroying the environment.
So now we are opening our country to serve as a safety valve for their population explosion as our USA population explodes not from natural growth but from immigration.
And all the press can talk about is climate change when the real threat to every living thing on this planet is this population explosion.
But forget about the environment and Mwenda tree cutting business - for a moment just consider the financial costs to us of this family.
Their 10 kids will cost 10K a year to educate (actually a lot more as they will need all sorts of special services) that’s a 100 thousand dollars a year minimum. 10 years of education, that’s a million dollars. That doesn’t begin to figure in medical costs, social services, etc.
But the worst of it is, it won’t help a wit because of that countries population growth. Funny how they can figure out how to make it here, but not consider practicing birth control in their home country the root of much of their countries misery.
That’s why this Democrat understands Trumps election.
So now we are opening our country to serve as a safety valve for their population explosion as our USA population explodes not from natural growth but from immigration.
And all the press can talk about is climate change when the real threat to every living thing on this planet is this population explosion.
But forget about the environment and Mwenda tree cutting business - for a moment just consider the financial costs to us of this family.
Their 10 kids will cost 10K a year to educate (actually a lot more as they will need all sorts of special services) that’s a 100 thousand dollars a year minimum. 10 years of education, that’s a million dollars. That doesn’t begin to figure in medical costs, social services, etc.
But the worst of it is, it won’t help a wit because of that countries population growth. Funny how they can figure out how to make it here, but not consider practicing birth control in their home country the root of much of their countries misery.
That’s why this Democrat understands Trumps election.
59
You do realize that accessible and affordable healthcare in the DRC, specifically birth control, are pretty much non-existent, right? Everyone in the world does not have access to the same healthcare systems that we have here. Hell, even some Americans don't even have access to healthcare. If you were in a position where you had to choose between food or a bc pill, which would you choose?
7
So it's nobody's fault that this person decided to have ten children?
34
that is right. It is no one's FAULT. The anger seems so misplaced.
1
Dear Mwenda family, if you are reading this, welcome to our country. May you have blessings and peace, and may your dear relative, Mr. Feruzi, be able to join you soon.
41
Good call-- See the picture? The dad has a copy of the NY Times on table right in front of him. He just read your kind comment and was obviously cheered by it.
7
I can only imagine your venomous sarcasm if this was a family fleeing from, oh, I don't know... Sweden.
4
I will be glad to share your welcome with them!
There are 5 billion people in the world who would like to come here. Many subject to horrible abuses and deprivation, and our hearts bleed for all of them. Yet, we should only be bringing people into this country who have work skills , education, and culture that can compliment and contribute to the continuing growth and development here. Lifeboat ethics.
48
5 billion people want to come here?
No they don't. You're too infatuated with American superiority if you truly believe that 2 out of every 3 people in the world envy us.
No they don't. You're too infatuated with American superiority if you truly believe that 2 out of every 3 people in the world envy us.
10
My heart does not bleed for them, they are not my concern. If you allow your country to be a dump you should fix it.
4
Nad. Look it up. 70% of the worlds population lives on less than 10$/day. That's over 5 billion. I'm guessing most of them would be here in a minute if it was possible.
7
hmmmm.. is Fayetville Arkansas really the best place for these refugees to integrate in to the US? Putting them in a rural place like that is going to cause a LOT more push back against more refugees than if they were to integrate in an international city.
5
Fayetteville is a city of over 80,000 people, hardly "rural".
13
From the actual article: "Knowing no one in the United States, the Mwendas have relied on an Arkansas affiliate of Lutheran Immigrantion and Refugee Service. It worked with local churches to help them set up a couple of apartments in Fayetteville, center of a prosperous region that is home to the University of Arkansas and the corporate headquarters of Walmart."
There is a vibrant international student population through the University, as well as an extremely diverse population that is experiencing a ton of economic growth. Please, don't just rely on what you see in TV shows to educate yourself on what Arkansas is really like.
There is a vibrant international student population through the University, as well as an extremely diverse population that is experiencing a ton of economic growth. Please, don't just rely on what you see in TV shows to educate yourself on what Arkansas is really like.
20
Business and residential development in NW Arkansas is flourishing, it is one of the top 25 growing metro areas in the country. Hundreds of companies are located in the area to be close to Wal-Mart.
2