Antelope High School

Home of the Titans

Principal, John Becker
Phone: (916)782-6565 ext. 1047

Bianca Hooper
7801 Titan Drive
Antelope Ca, 95843

Governor Jerry Brown

c/o State Capital, Suite 1173
Sacramento, Ca 95814

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Bianca Hooper, I am a sophomore at Antelope High, and I am currently learning about the
Syrian Refugee Crisis in my English course. I am writing this letter in hopes to broaden your
perspective Of the 470,000 war dead [Syrians]... 400,000 were directly due to violence, while the
remaining 70,000 fell victim to lack of adequate health services, (Ian Black). In 2015, a rise in anti-
government protests had occurred across Europe known as the Arab Spring. The Syrian leader, Bashar
al-Assad, did not tolerate democratic rule and thus, he isolated the economy and limited free speech.
Since then, various rebel groups and civilian protests have occurred, which evidently has evolved into
a Civil War and forced thousands of Syrians to either leave their home or be at risk of death. However,
if lawmakers allowed a greater expansion of Syrian refugees throughout the country, both the
economy and citizens of America could expeditiously benefit. Currently, Syrian refugees are
struggling throughout Europe to ensure stability for themselves and their families. Countries
worldwide are debating whether they want to allow Syrians to reside there, and if so, how many would
be allowed to before lawmakers proclaim its unconstitutional? Not enough if there are still thousands
dying of starvation, living off the streets, and or trapped in the mix of Syrias unjust rule. The severity
of the Syrian Refugee Crisis is trivialized. Statistics reveal that Europe is experiencing its highest
intake of refugees since World War 2. Both Jewish refugees and Syrian refugees relate in the way that
they had minimal power over their government and were denied the assistance from other countries
due to misconceptions. During World War 2, Adolf Hitler had targeted and oppressed the Jews
because he believed they would tarnish his image of a perfect country. For six years, Jewish
individuals were imprisoned and slaughtered for affiliating with a religion. In the end, the Allied
powers stepped in only for selfish game - the United States needed help from the Soviet Union on
taking down Japan while Great Britain and the Soviet Union were hoping to regain their territory.
After the war, the United States denied Jewish-Germans refugees from entering because they believed
they were a threat to the safety of the country and believed they were spies for the Nazi Party.
Similarly, Syrian refugees were and still are repressed for voicing political views in an attempt to
establish an ideal government. The Assad family has been in power for the last forty years and is
widely known for their murder sprees and routine use of chemical weapons - thus, creating a
horrifying environment for any Syrian. Freedom of speech and other basic human rights were
tarnished. Therefore, if one wanted to voice an opinion - it would cost them their lives. All in all, both
groups of refugees were treated indifferently during and after the war due to their countries
background. I personally disagree with lawmakers decision to disregard Syrian refugees since
individuals should have the right to travel and or live where they please, especially if they are being
subjected to inhumane treatment. I stand by this position since unlike most, I believe that Syrians
4635 Elverta Road, Antelope, CA 95843
 Antelope High School
Home of the Titans
Principal, John Becker
Phone: (916)782-6565 ext. 1047

should be treated no different than any other America, and would

bring a vast amount of work into the United States. One cannot state
that crime rates would increase or the safety of America would be in danger if we havent considered
the fact that these refugees cannot help that their country broke out into Civil War. Syrians are just as
human as Americans - they have relationships, many are educated, and are only trying to find a stable
environment to thrive. These refugees are coming from a country of restraint and may only intend to
take on a profession in order to provide for their families. Allowing them job opportunities could help
them redeem their social standpoint and help America increase its economic value by thousands.
Homeless rates would decrease since more people would be provided with financial stability through
work, and Syrian death rates would come to a halt by simply providing them with compassion,
understanding, and a country they too can call home. Therefore, allowing more refugees into America
could expand work opportunities, create a positive environment, and save thousands of lives. If you
consider these points, the fact that America has the ability to make an impact - would be greatly
appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Bianca Hooper
Antelope High School Student
Respectful. Responsible. Proud
GO TITANS!

4635 Elverta Road, Antelope, CA 95843