The main response to refugees seeking asylum is to accept them, at least in the modern world. While doing so can be seen as a possible security risk, studies show that the first few waves of refugees are far from criminal in nature. Data provided by the Iraqi Medical Association shows that half of all doctors fled following the initial invasion in 2003. (See source 2) Most people that are first to flee are those with money and pull, meaning the people that come in the first few waves of refugees can provide a lot to their host countries. Most people that escape early into conflicts are doctors, lawyers, artists, and other major professionals.
Most people are against sheltering refugees do to the idea of them being lazy or only subsisting of the support of the government but this is largely untrue. If given the chance to enter the work force, refugees will leap at the chance to work even if it means starting over. According to Phillipe Legrain, an economic advisor, a thousand refugee businesses can help generate one hundred million for the local economy. (See source 7) While the integration of refugees into the work force requires the system at hand to provide language classes and bilingual instructions, it is a small price to pay.
Though it is not just the economy that benefits from refugees joining up. Culture is greatly enriched by the presence of refugees. They bring with them new idea, practices, traditions, and foods. This cultural integration leads to some of the most unique and appreciated cultural hotspots in the world. Louisiana wouldn’t be anywhere as interesting and complex had it not been for the interaction between cajun and French cultures.
Obviously the increase in population has other effects. For one this provides a stimulation for the host economy, meaning production of goods locally ramps up. Thus causing more job opportunities in production and agriculture to meet demand. After all, refugees have little choice but to spend their new income on the local economy. Even feeding back into the host government through taxes.
Even developing countries can benefit greatly from accepting refugees. That’s not just thanks to the reasons stated previously. When accepting refugees, developing countries can receive support from the larger international community. Including technological and financial. Largely making the whole process of hosting said refugees largely in expensive if costing anything at all.
