'Extreme vetting' and the 'golden door'

There are two very different reactions to terrorism and the root causes in the world today. At the low level, there is a call by Presidential nominee Donald Trump for what he calls, "extreme vetting." He also says that he has a "secret plan" to combat ISIS, for instance.

First of all, the immigration and naturalization service has stepped up vetting of immigrants over the years in response to the real and present threats from immigrants from Middle Eastern countries. Why? It is because many terrorists lie within the community of peaceful Muslims where radicalized Muslims sometimes evolve to becoming terrorists. Understanding the motivation by terrorists is necessary to addressing the cause. Often, it is the result of people feeling repressed, economically and socially. They may have extreme ideas about their religion that doesn't fit in a pluralistic democratic republic such as ours.

For law enforcement and national security professionals, and for citizens, securing the nation against this threat is paramount.

That necessity drives policymakers from the top down to strengthen the vetting of immigrants based on consideration from their host countries and the profile of the immigrants' propensity for committing terrorism. That is what Donald Trump calls extreme vetting. That is not new as it exists today.

On the world stage at the United Nations, Helen Clark, the Administrator, United Nations Development Programme had this to say.

"What could be done to prevent displacement crises in future? 

First, the international community should place conflict prevention and mediation at the center of international peace and security efforts. Early warning and response systems are needed for when tensions emerge and to foster reconciliation. 

Second, international support is needed to strengthen good governance and the rule of law and to address structural inequalities. Promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable livelihoods is critical for building peaceful and inclusive societies. These are long-term investments that are also critical structural prevention efforts. 

Third, development actors can assist governments to improve their capacity for data collection and analysis on the root causes of displacement caused by poverty and lack of opportunity, to help design sustainable responses. 

The organization I head, the United Nations Development Program, will play its part. We provide support for host communities and help countries anticipate and prevent future crises. We promote inclusive and accountable institutions which can improve social cohesion, and drive inclusive development. We work to tackle inequalities and to improve access to justice and to basic services like education and health." 

Huffington Post 

What American voters should expect from Presidential candidates is not a knee-jerk reaction, but instead, consideration for policies that make a true difference in addressing a crisis that is global in proportion.

Donald Trump is talking loudly with a desire to wield a big stick. Hillary Clinton is speaking calmly while seeking to implement sound policy that will make a difference.

The world refugee crisis breeds terrorism that can migrate to the free world.

"Give me your tired, your poor,  

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. 

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, 

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Refugee Crisis

Statue of Liberty