Antelope High School

Home of the Titans

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

Lucia Orozco
7801 Titan Drive
Antelope Ca, 95843
Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capital, Suite 1173
Sacramento, Ca 95814
To Whom It May Concern:

Hello my name is Lucia Orozco I am a student at Antelope High School. The reason I am writing this
letter is to share my opinion on the decisions being made concerning the Syrian refugees. More than
11 million people- have been killed or forced to flee their homes(Mercycorps). Syrians are being
treated poorly since no one really wants to help. Just like any American, all human beings deserve
justice and equality.
Currently, Syrian refugees are being refused into countries from the fear that some may be terrorist.
Many are trying to flee to America but 31 governors turned their thumbs down on Obamas decision
to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees and distribute them among the states (Tribune News Service). The
governors are concerned about his policies stating [they] don't trust [him] on his decision about
bringing refugees and his claims of stringent security checks (Tribune News Service).
During the WWII many Jews escaped Europe for the U.S but many were tragically turned away. The
WWII crisis was very similar to the current issue but it did have its differences. Jews were turned
away since people were afraid that Nazis would plant agents, spies and saboteurs among the Jewish
refugees (Associated Press). Truth is the Jews "did not pose any threat to the U.S. (Associated
Press). Syrians are being turned down because people fear because some may be terrorist but out of
the 784,000 refugees resettled in the U.S. since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, just three have been
arrested on charges of planning terrorist activities (Associated Press). Both have been rejected but in
the past the U.S has regretted not accepting the Jews but now that Syrians are in need they are turning
refugees down once again. Jews were in danger because of their religion while Syrians are in danger
because many of their homes are in a war zone ( Associated Press). Though the fear of people is
making them forget that this a country of immigrants with a long and cherished tradition of helping
refugees (Tribune News Service

4635 Elverta Road, Antelope, CA 95843

Antelope High School

Home of the Titans
Principal, John Becker
Phone: (916)782-6565 ext. 1047

I disagree with current law makers decisions concerning refugees. Lawmakers do not want to accept
Syrian refugees. I think otherwise since we ate refusing to help people who are just searching for
safety. Governors are considering being in involved in the death of many since America can be their
ticket to living. We are treating the Syrian refugees unequally since we are putting our comfort against
their lives. America's symbol is the symbol of justice. Inscribed on the statue of liberty is Give me
your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these,
the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!( Tribune News Service). That means we are supposed to accept
and welcome people. The symbols only make America seem weaker since people are afraid of the
refugees. It also makes us seem like hypocrites since we are not valuing what we state. We should
ignore the political views on this and look at the situation morally. We should put ourselves in their
shoes.

Refugees are people, their lives should be valued. We might suffer consequences for doing so but
better to accept than to regret later on just like what governors did with the Jews in WWII. America is
considered the land of the free and opportunity but Syrian refugees are not being given the
opportunity. I would like the Senators to vote against the those who wish to not help. To fight for the
refugees who can not always fight for themselves. To fight for justice, hope and unity. This fight can
only be making people break. If the people and governors accept refugees America can grow a little
more as a union by treating others as part of our union. Vote for the care, for peace and opportunity.
One should share what they've been given as they would like to be gifted.
Thank you for giving your valuable time into reading my letter
Sincerely,
Lucia Orozco
Antelope High School Student
Respectful. Responsible. Proud
GO TITANS!

4635 Elverta Road, Antelope, CA 95843