Syrian refugees

[Adil & Jeanne 296]

Does anyone know if it is possible to sponsor a refugee or help anyone in this terrible situation?

i mean a total stranger. I know none of these people but is the US or any agency helping?

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

You can't sponsor them for a visa, but there are many charities who help locally:

https://www.charitywatch.org/charitywatch-hot-topic/syrian-humanitarian-relief/4

[Boiler 45,649]

Lots of organisations will take your money, Save the Children for a start.

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.7998857/k.D075/Syria.htm

Donate on line.

[heo luoi 206]

Just curious I know churches, charities and stuff in the past have foster/sponsored people like in Operation Baby/New Life drop?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_New_Life

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Babylift

Does anyone know if it is possible to sponsor a refugee or help anyone in this terrible situation?

i mean a total stranger. I know none of these people but is the US or any agency helping?

You can't sponsor them for a visa, but there are many charities who help locally:

https://www.charitywatch.org/charitywatch-hot-topic/syrian-humanitarian-relief/4

[ebe 6]

I have thought about the same thing. Like what if there was a website that could help link refugees with work visa opportunities. Or for example, countries they may not have thought of. Here in Chile, for example, you can apply for permanent residency based on being "useful" for the country, which in practice is basically having a university degree. And you can apply from within Chile, too––so all you need is to enter as a tourist, and you go from there.

Whether Syrians would like to come to Chile, I have no idea. But I agree, Adil & Jeanne, that it would be great if there were a way to help. Especially for those of use who have been through visa/paperwork turmoil and know the ropes. Even in the best of circumstances this stuff is stressful, so I can't imagine what the refugees are going through.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Unfortunately you can't sponsor them for a greencard or humanitarian visa. Consider donating to the Red Cross. They are always in the middle of humanitarian missions.

Edited September 28, 2015 by JohnR!

[Boiler 45,649]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/09/latin-american-countries-welcome-syrian-refugees

Whether Syrians would like to come to Chile, I have no idea.

They are fleeing for their lives, not going on holiday.

Edited September 28, 2015 by Boiler

[ebe 6]

I'm aware of that Boiler. But they're also looking for long-term solutions. And so which country they arrive to, whether it's livable for them (given economic conditions, job possibilities, racism, language abilities, educational opportunities) is important, too.

[Boiler 45,649]

I'm aware of that Boiler. But they're also looking for long-term solutions. And so which country they arrive to, whether it's livable for them (given economic conditions, job possibilities, racism, language abilities, educational opportunities) is important, too.

I have never been to Chile, I know it has recently become a VWP country, interested in what you are trying to say about Chile?

[heo luoi 206]

I think the difference here is Immigration vs Refugees, which I think is a significant distinction.

I don think previous poster meant anything about Chile, as I read it, just a simple notion that perhaps posited with a choice maybe some people would prefer a specific relocation. Perhaps closer to family or amenable climate...etc.. Sure anything sounds better than their current plight however perhaps given a choice / option they would opt for A vs B.

I have never been to Chile, I know it has recently become a VWP country, interested in what you are trying to say about Chile?

[Boiler 45,649]

Well that could be the case but from what I have read most seem to be leaving family behind and travelling further from them and into very different climates,Sweden for example.

Edited September 28, 2015 by Boiler

[ebe 6]

Thanks heo luoi, that is what I was trying to get at! Of course anything is better than imminent danger, but I'm sure refugees would also hope for a situation in their new country that would allow them to get settled and get on with their life.

Chile's a great place to live, not anything against it. The economy has been on a downswing here, so it's been rough on industry, but I think that will change eventually.

I do think it could be hard as a Muslim as there is not a large Muslim community here and a lot of prejudice against Muslims (mostly based on the average Chilean's only exposure to Islam being images they see on the news).

My main point was, I agree that the crisis is awful and I also wish there were more ways to help.

[Boiler 45,649]

If I spent the afternoon looking I am sure I could hit at least 100 organisations that are involved and would be happy to take your money.

What exactly are you looking for. Red Crescent seems a good start.

[TBoneTX 45,468]

A post that was off the OP's topic has been removed. OP, if your question has been answered and you wish this thread to be closed (your choice), hit the "report" button and so request.

[Ryan H 3,812]

**More off topic posts removed and thread closed to additional discussion; OP has been provided with enough answers to their question.**