Syrian refugees

The United States accepted 1,900 Syrian refugees during the past four years, and President Obama pledged to take 10,000 for next year.

This represents three out of every 100,000 U.S. citizens, not a major commitment, especially compared to Germany, which has accepted 1 million Syrian refugees, or about one out of every 100 people, a much more significant contribution.

The vetting process lasts about two years and will tighten because of recent terrorist acts.

However, since we’re a country of immigrants and have historically accepted those fleeing persecution, I believe we should do our fair share, in spite of the Republican presidential candidates such as Donald Trump and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who talk tough and inject fear and anxiety on the American public.

This story was originally published December 24, 2015 at 1:14 PM with the headline "Syrian refugees."