Thread by @amrakunj

I was about 12, when a man on the street asked my dad for help.

My dad did.
Later I asked curiously, “what if the man was lying and taking advantage of you, daddy”. /1

My dad replied, “I have enough and can afford to be taken advantage of, but what if he really needed help and I didn’t give it. That would be a real crime”.

For me, even today, that reply defines and indeed answers all questions on refugees, frauds and all other../2

anti immigration right wing rhetorics that are flying around nowadays.

If citizens of developed countries feel that their benefits, jobs and rights will be reduced by 0.26% of asylum seekers (of U.K. pop. as eg) that live in their country, /3

.. the fault lies with their govt for not effectively using the vast resources available to them, and not the refugees.
Please don’t make the mistake of thinking otherwise. /4

It suits politicians to make immigration and refugees a big issue because it makes their citizens emotionally insecure.
The govt that purposely underinvests in its people ensures that people are constantly insecure about their benefits and livelihoods./5

That government has direct access to the basic instinct of the majority of population and can manipulate it to their benefit.

But in 21st century we need to evolve from those basic caveman instincts and take control, otherwise we will destroy everything that is precious. /6

That evolution comes from awareness, education & by holding MSM accountable.
It comes from choosing good leaders and ensuring good governance.

Because right now the real threat is that govt who uses antimigrant rhetorics to win elections and not that under 1% of refugees. End