How To Get Involved If You're Worried About The Refugee Crisis Under Trump

Donald Trump has made it abundantly clear he opposes accepting more refugees -- especially Syrian refugees -- and frequently attempts to paint them as potential terrorists.

Trump has described Syrian refugees as a "Trojan horse," and his son recently generated controversy when he compared them to a bowl of poisonous Skittles.

So far, the Obama administration has accepted 10,000 Syrian refugees, which is actually quite pathetic when you consider how many refugees smaller, poorer nations have accepted across the globe.

America could arguably do far more to help refugees, but xenophobic sentiments and unfounded fears of terrorism have inspired much of the public to take a very anti-refugee stance.

Only three refugees have been arrested over terrorism since 9/11, and they don't pose a major threat to the US.

But some people don't seem to care about the facts. They don't see that refugees aren't terrorists, but they ARE running away from terror.

In spite of Trump's anti-refugee rhetoric, there are still many things you can do to help address the global refugee crisis.

This is the worst refugee crisis since World War II, and we can't afford to ignore it.

1. Get educated and spread awareness.

There are around 21.3 million refugees worldwide. We are currently witnessing the worst refugee crisis since World War II.

In spite of the scale of the problem, only 10 countries are hosting half of all the world's refugees.

Wealthy countries are doing hardly anything to address this crisis.

Sadly, it looks like the US government might scale back its already limited commitment to refugees, especially those emanating from Syria.

If we want to address this crisis, we need to ensure people understand how bad it truly is, and why wealthy countries (and their citizens) can and should do more.

Get educated and spread awareness.

Remind people that refugees are some of the most vulnerable people on the planet.

Click here for more articles and information on the global refugee crisis. The UNHCR is also a very valuable resource.

2. Donate and/or volunteer.

If you have the money, consider donating it to organizations that will ensure it gets to the people who need it most, such as the International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, The Syria Fund and the UNHCR.

There are also plenty of opportunities to volunteer.

The International Rescue Committee offices across the US, and is actively seeking volunteers.

You can also volunteer via the United Nations and the American Refugee Committee International.

3. Call your local politicians.

Get active. Call up your mayor, governor and other local leaders, and let them know you're concerned about the global refugee crisis.

Ask them what they are doing to ensure refugees are getting the help they need.

Pressure them to address this issue. Call up your elected representative in Congress, and tell her or him the US can and should do more to help refugees.

4. Vote.

Vote in the 2018 midterms. Do your part to make sure we elect leaders who care about the wider world.

This is a global refugee crisis. The keyword here is "global."

Basically, it impacts all of us, whether we like it or not.

Pretending it isn't happening – or cowering behind walls – is simply not a valid option.