Refugees in the Heartland

For John, BLUF:  Checking on Backgrounds is like when we used to check on the health of immigrants.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Anniversary of Yazidi Genocide event marked in Moorhead

That would be Moorhead, Minnesota, a few blocks east of the Red River.

The web publication is Inforum, part of Forum Communications Company, a media firm based in Fargo, North Dakota.

The lede:

MOORHEAD—A remembrance of the genocide by ISIS of the Yazidi people will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 210 7th St. S., with members of the Fargo-Moorhead Yazidi community.  Learn about the fate and faith of the Yazidi and how to support them in an effort to maintain their traditions.

Providing refuge to those who have been oppressed, those from communities suffering genocide, is something we should do, as Americans.

Remember the line?

"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-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Yes, that one, from the poem by Ms Emma Lazarus.

Which doesn't mean they shouldn't have to go through the regular paperwork.  Heck, when I fly back into the States I have to stand in line and "present my papers".  Is that just part of the burden of Citizenship that doesn't have to be borne by those who just jump the fence?  And, I assume the risk of the Yazidi returning to the Middle East to fight with Daesh is a lot lower than for other immigrants in Minnesota.

Regards  —  Cliff