Watch the Luma Mufleh: Don’t Feel Sorry for Refugees—Believe in Them video found in the Learning

LEARNING RESOURCES
• DiNitto, D. M., & Johnson, D. H. (2016). Social welfare: Politics and public policy (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
o Chapter 12, “The Challenges of a Diverse Society: Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration” (pp. 471–528)
• United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. (1969). UN International Convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.Links to an external site. Retrieved from http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CERD.aspx
• Chapin, R. K. (1995). Social policy development: The strengths perspective.Links to an external site. Social Work, 40(4), 506–514. doi:10.1093/sw/40.4.506

• Mufleh, L. (2017, April). Luma Mufleh: Don’t feel sorry for refugees—believe in themLinks to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/luma_mufleh_don_t_feel_sorry_for_refugees_believe_in_them

TO PREPARE
Watch the Luma Mufleh: Don’t Feel Sorry for Refugees—Believe in Them video found in the Learning Resources.

Post
• Describe your experiences with immigrants that you have known.
• Describe their story. Did the persons immigrate because of employment, refugee, asylum status?
• Describe a policy or policies that could or should be implemented to address undocumented persons.
• Describe a policy or policies that could or should be implemented to grant asylum status.

Respond to two colleagues in one or more of the following ways:
• Explain how a different policy or policies could or should be implemented to address undocumented persons.
• Explain how a different policy or policies could or should be implemented to grant asylum status.

RESPONSE1
• Describe your experiences with immigrants that you have known.
There are many known immigrants, and they are all hardworking and humble people. They have come from all over the world and had to start from scratch in a new country. They have all been very grateful for the opportunities they have been given and have worked hard to make the most of them. I have always been impressed by their strength and determination, and there is pride in knowing them. These immigrants have come mainly from Mexico.
They have had to leave their homes and everything they know behind and start over in a new country. This can be very difficult and scary, but they have all done it with courage and strength. They have all had to work hard to learn a new language, find a job, and make a new life for themselves. This is not easy, but they have all been very humble and grateful for the opportunities they have been given. I have always been impressed by their strength and determination, and I am proud to know them.
• Describe their story. Did the persons immigrate because of employment, refugee, or asylum status?
Many of the immigrants have come seeking employment and have faced significant challenges such as language barriers and discrimination. They are paid less than native-born workers, even when they have the same qualifications. They also face discrimination and racism in the workplace. This makes it difficult for immigrants to find jobs and support themselves and their families.
• Describe a policy or policies that could or should be implemented to address undocumented persons.
A pathway to citizenship would allow undocumented persons to become legal residents or citizens of the country, providing them with the ability to work and live without fear of deportation.
Providing access to education and job opportunities would allow undocumented persons to improve their economic situation and provide for their families.
Strengthening border security would help to deter undocumented immigration by making it more difficult and expensive to cross the border illegally.
Increasing enforcement of laws against employers who hire undocumented workers would help to discourage businesses from hiring undocumented workers. It would provide additional incentives for undocumented workers to obtain legal status.
Providing access to health care would allow undocumented persons to receive necessary medical care and would help prevent the spread of disease.

• Describe a policy or policies that could or should be implemented to grant asylum status.
Providing a haven for refugees: One policy that could be implemented to grant asylum status is providing a haven for refugees. This would involve creating designated areas where refugees can go to seek safety and protection. These areas need to be well-protected and well-equipped to meet the needs of refugees.
Establishing clear and humane criteria for granting asylum: Another policy that could be implemented to give asylum status is establishing clear and compassionate criteria for granting asylum. This would involve creating a set of standards that would need to be met in order for an asylum seeker to be eligible for asylum. These standards need to be straightforward to understand, and they need to be humane to protect the rights of those seeking asylum.
Asylum seekers’ access to legal representation must be ensured. Granting asylum status could be achieved by providing asylum seekers with legal representation. Free or low-cost legal assistance will be provided to asylum seekers to help them prepare their applications and present them in the best possible light.
Providing adequate resources to support asylum seekers: Another policy that could be implemented to grant asylum status is providing sufficient resources to help asylum seekers. This would involve ensuring asylum seekers have access to basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care. It would also include providing resources to help them integrate into their new community.
Training law enforcement and immigration officials in human rights standards: Another policy that could be implemented to grant asylum status is training law enforcement and immigration officials in human rights standards. This would involve teaching these officials on the proper way to treat asylum seekers and on international human rights standards.
Reference:
• DiNitto, D. M., & Johnson, D. H. (2016). Social welfare: Politics and public policy (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
o Chapter 12, “The Challenges of a Diverse Society: Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration” (pp. 471–528)

RESPONSE2
Describe your experiences with immigrants that you have known.
Describe their story. Did the persons immigrate because of employment, refugee, asylum status?
Describe a policy or policies that could or should be implemented to address undocumented persons.
Describe a policy or policies that could or should be implemented to grant asylum status.

In response to the discussion board post about the video “Watch the Luma Mufleh: Don’t Feel Sorry for Refugees—Believe in Them,” I wholeheartedly agree with the notion of believing in refugees and immigrants rather than feeling sorry for them. It is important to recognize their resilience, strength, and potential contributions to society.

I have had the privilege of knowing several immigrants throughout my life, each with a unique story. One individual I became friends with immigrated from Syria due to the ongoing conflict and persecution they faced. They fled their home country in search of safety and a chance at a better future. Another person I know migrated from Mexico to seek employment opportunities to support their family back home. Both stories highlight different reasons behind immigration – one driven by forced displacement as a refugee, and another motivated by economic factors.

When it comes to addressing undocumented persons, I believe that implementing comprehensive immigration reform is crucial. This could include creating pathways to legal status for those who are already living and contributing to our communities but lack proper documentation. A policy that combines elements such as background checks, payment of fines or taxes, English proficiency requirements, and integration programs would help address this issue effectively while still upholding the rule of law.

As for granting asylum status, it is essential to establish policies that prioritize humanitarian considerations and uphold international obligations. These policies should provide fair and efficient processes for evaluating asylum claims while ensuring adequate protection for those fleeing persecution or violence. Additionally, increased funding for resources such as legal assistance and support services can aid in facilitating these processes more efficiently.

In conclusion, instead of feeling sorry for refugees and immigrants, we should shift our focus towards believing in their abilities and potential contributions. By implementing comprehensive immigration reform and establishing fair asylum policies, we can create an inclusive society that values human dignity and recognizes the strengths that immigrants bring with them. As Luma Mufleh emphasized in the video, let us choose to believe in refugees and immigrants, for they have already overcome unimaginable challenges to reach our shores. As she eloquently stated, “It is not enough to help them survive; we must help them thrive.”
Reference
DiNitto, D. M., & Johnson, D. H. (2016). Social welfare: Politics and public policy (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Mufleh, L. (2017, April). Luma Mufleh: Don’t feel sorry for refugees—believe in themLinks to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/luma_mufleh_don_t_feel_sorry_for_refugees_believe_in_them