Introduction
In 2011, the people of Syria lead protests inspired by the Arab Spring, which quickly lead to bloody civil war. Since the war in Syria began, an estimated 13.5 million Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring countries and further (UNHCR, 2016). The United States has welcomed only a small percentage of these migrants, and recent terror attacks has stirred fear of these refugees to the American people. Current political elections have focused heavily on Syrian refugees and some states have even gone as far as vocalizing their anti-refugee and anti-Muslim policies, refusing to allow refugees to settle in their borders. Refugees currently on American soil face racism, isolation, and a lack of resources. A large number of refugees …show more content…
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that nearly 4.8 million Syrian civilians have fled their homes to neighboring countries and abroad, while approximately 8.7 are predicted to be displaced within Syrian borders (UNHCR, 2016). While this may arguably be the biggest refugee crisis of our time (United Nations, 2016), the world’s wealthiest countries are slow to accept refugees into their borders. While some countries are unwilling to accept any refugees at all, some such as the United States are welcoming them in smaller …show more content…
Upon arrival in the United States (or other host countries), the goal in place for refugees is “resettlement and self-sufficiency in the shortest time possible” (Balgopal, 2000). Although the goal itself sounds simple and straightforward, we as social workers must take into account the person’s whole system and the effects resettlement have on their lives. System’s theory allows (social workers) to get a better idea and understanding of the client and their needs. Systems theory can also be used on a macro level for this population. Advocating for the rights for refugees and policy change is just as important as providing micro social work interventions. System’s theory, I believe, provides guidance for my research to understand the interaction of systems in regards to refugee services, specifically Syrian refugees who are currently facing societal rejection and discrimination on top of an already traumatic relocation and resettlement
In 2011, the people of Syria lead protests inspired by the Arab Spring, which quickly lead to bloody civil war. Since the war in Syria began, an estimated 13.5 million Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring countries and further (UNHCR, 2016). The United States has welcomed only a small percentage of these migrants, and recent terror attacks has stirred fear of these refugees to the American people. Current political elections have focused heavily on Syrian refugees and some states have even gone as far as vocalizing their anti-refugee and anti-Muslim policies, refusing to allow refugees to settle in their borders. Refugees currently on American soil face racism, isolation, and a lack of resources. A large number of refugees …show more content…
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that nearly 4.8 million Syrian civilians have fled their homes to neighboring countries and abroad, while approximately 8.7 are predicted to be displaced within Syrian borders (UNHCR, 2016). While this may arguably be the biggest refugee crisis of our time (United Nations, 2016), the world’s wealthiest countries are slow to accept refugees into their borders. While some countries are unwilling to accept any refugees at all, some such as the United States are welcoming them in smaller …show more content…
Upon arrival in the United States (or other host countries), the goal in place for refugees is “resettlement and self-sufficiency in the shortest time possible” (Balgopal, 2000). Although the goal itself sounds simple and straightforward, we as social workers must take into account the person’s whole system and the effects resettlement have on their lives. System’s theory allows (social workers) to get a better idea and understanding of the client and their needs. Systems theory can also be used on a macro level for this population. Advocating for the rights for refugees and policy change is just as important as providing micro social work interventions. System’s theory, I believe, provides guidance for my research to understand the interaction of systems in regards to refugee services, specifically Syrian refugees who are currently facing societal rejection and discrimination on top of an already traumatic relocation and resettlement