In 1997, Canada took in 34,421 refugees. The UN estimates there are 18.5 million refugees in the world today, most existing in developing countries that cannot afford to support them. Because their lives are in danger. Once people are accepted as refugees, they still must meet Canada's immigration requirements. Yes, some who say they are refugees may be lying.
Refugees are people.
But most refugees need our help, desperately. Some have been so brutalized that they are terrified to speak the truth to government officials. The United Church helps people that the government often will not help. In addition, teachings from the Old and New Testaments tell us we are all sojourners and pilgrims. Jesus was an exile and an alien.