America, Promises on toilet paper

16* That’s what the refugees in Lebanon have, only promises nothing more. They stopped the hunger strike because Mr. Battle promised the refugees to notify them of the results of his inquiry within 2 weeks, but until today 30/12/2004 they haven’t received anything from Mr. Battle or any one else in the government of America about their destiny. These refugees will have to continue to wait for an unknown time!

Mr. Battle said 2 weeks! More than 2 years has passed since that day! I don't know if a week means a year in America! I noticed some thing strange, the promises of those who live in Tell Aviv always seem to be fulfilled but the promises of the others who live somewhere else seem always left till last or don't come at all. I feel like the promises that the American make to rich people are written on expensive paper but promises made to poor people are written on toilet paper!!!

The excuse was September 11^th, we as refugees respect the right of all humans to live in safety. But why did the USA resume the resettlement program in Jordan and Syria three months after the attacks in September but not in Lebanon? The resettlement program is still suspended in Lebanon. Aren’t there terrorist organizations in Jordan and Syria? And if these refugees maybe compose a threat to the security of the Americans so why didn’t the government of America cancel the promise that was made to these refugees instead of having them waiting trapped for nearly 3 years? Isn’t three years enough for the governments like America to make a decision about these refugees? These refugees have spent long years under supervision of the UNHCR and the ICMC, they have been through many interviews, isn’t all that enough to clarify their situation? Can you imagine their pain and anxiety at being kept waiting in limbo for so long with no idea what will happen to them, if anything! Trapped and unable to go to another place because they are still on the resettlement list and accepted to go to America.

I can't believe that, the government of America isn't able to determine the best way to deal with these refugees, to cancel the promise or to continue with it! These refugees are humans and I think that they deserve at least 'SORRY' word. More than 3 years had passed, and the government of America is puzzled about a promise made to them! I hope not all the promises of America are written on toilet paper! Just a humble hope.

You can find more details here: US immigration assurances end Iraqis’ protest

Return to point 16*