Brazilian President Welcomes Refugees with 'Open Arms'

[OBenario]

​Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff welcomed refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East and Africa with “open arms” on Monday, during a speech marking the Independence Day of Brazil.

"I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the position of our government in receiving individuals who have been expelled from their respective countries,” the Brazilian head of state expressed in a Monday televised recording.

Brazil is a nation comprised of migrants who have arrived at different times throughout the country’s history, in search of better opportunities, President Rousseff added.

Since 2013, Brazil has resettled more Syrian refugees than any other country in the region, opening its doors to over 1,740 Syrian refugees.

Additionally, the Brazilian government approved a new program, known as Conare, which simplifies the process of obtaining legal status for Syrian refugees.

Colombians and Syrians are still the largest contingents of refugees, followed by Angolans and nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, the volume of Syrian refugee applicants has increased steadily since Brazil decided to expedite their entry by granting them a 90-day tourist visa while their applications are processed.

Read more: http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Brazilian-President-Welcomes-Refugees-with-Open-Arms-20150907-0017.html

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

1. That is truly commendable.

Netanyahu and his cheerleaders believes it is somebody else's problem, IMHO.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Good for the President. The world needs a lot more leaders like her.

What has happened to Syrians is monstrous. I hope there are many who can find new, safe lives in Brazil. They would be more than grateful, in every sense. They would be so worth the trouble of extending a nation's kindness.

Brava, Dilma Rousseff.