Write A Full Two-Page Documented Essay Responding To The Sta

Write Afulltwo Pagedocumented Essay That Responds To the Statement

Refugees face difficult decisions when choosing whether to undertake risky actions in pursuit of security and prosperity in their new countries. These choices are often driven by a complex cost-benefit analysis, where refugees weigh the immediate dangers of migration against the potential long-term benefits of safety and economic stability. This essay explores how refugees' decision-making is influenced by economic concepts such as utility maximization and risk assessment, while also incorporating a principle of Catholic Social Teaching—particularly the dignity of every human person.Drawing from the Refugee Simulation experience and recent news articles, I argue that refugees undertake perilous journeys because their perceived benefits of safety, security, and improved living conditions outweigh the immediate risks they face. While their actions may appear irrational from a safety perspective, understanding them through the lens of economic decision-making reveals their rationality based on the circumstances they are fleeing. Furthermore, applying Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes moral responsibility and the recognition of human dignity, urging societies to respond ethically to refugee crises.

Economic Concepts and Refugee Decision-Making

Refugees' choices to migrate often involve a careful analysis of costs and benefits, aligned with the economic principle of utility maximization. Utility, in economic terms, refers to the satisfaction or benefit an individual expects to gain from an action. For refugees, the potential utility of reaching a safe haven—such as the United States or Australia—may include security from violence, access to education and healthcare, and economic opportunities. These benefits, however, are often accompanied by significant costs such as dangerous crossings, exploitation, and uncertainty about acceptance or legal status.

The refugee’s decision-making process resembles a rational calculation, where the expected utility of migration exceeds the utility of remaining in their home country. For instance, fleeing regions plagued by war or persecution involves risking life and limb, but the alternative—living amidst violence or oppression—yields negligible or even negative utility, such as trauma, death, or continued deprivation. Therefore, refugees might accept perilous voyages, including dangerous boat crossings or clandestine routes, because their assessment indicates that the long-term benefits of safety and stability outweigh the immediate dangers.

This analysis aligns with the concept of risk assessment in economics. Refugees often evaluate the probabilities of successful migration against the likelihood of death, detention, or exploitation. When the perceived probability of safety and improved quality of life outweighs the risks involved, they proceed despite the dangers. This rational behavior illustrates that, far from being reckless, refugees are engaging in strategic decision-making driven by their desire to escape inhumane conditions.

Catholic Social Teaching and the Dignity of the Human Person

Applying a principle of Catholic Social Teaching, specifically the dignity of the human person, stresses that every individual deserves respect and the right to seek safety and a better life. The Church's teaching affirms that every human being is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity, regardless of nationality or circumstance. This moral perspective urges societies to respond compassionately and ethically to refugee crises, recognizing that their risky journeys are driven by fundamental human needs rather than reckless choice.

From this perspective, policies that severely restrict refugee admissions, such as the U.S. cap of 45,000 in 2018, can be viewed as neglecting the moral obligation to protect human dignity. While concerns about national security are valid, they should not override the fundamental rights of vulnerable populations to seek refuge. The principle of solidarity, another aspect of Catholic Social Teaching, emphasizes our moral responsibility to support and advocate for refugees, ensuring that their journeys are not solely defined by danger but also by hope and compassion.

Conclusion

The decisions made by refugees to undertake risky actions are legally and ethically complex, but from an economic perspective, they are rational responses to desperate circumstances. Their analysis of risks versus benefits reflects a deliberate effort to maximize long-term utility, despite immediate dangers. Moreover, integrating Catholic Social Teaching reinforces the moral imperative to honor human dignity and to provide moral and material support to those fleeing peril. Society’s responsibility is to create policies that recognize these realities, balancing security concerns with compassion and moral obligation. Only then can we address the root causes of refugee risks and uphold our shared human dignity.

References

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• Catholic Church. (1986). On Human Dignity: Justice in the World (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace).
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• InternationaL Organization for Migration (IOM). (2020). World Migration Report 2020. IOM Publications.
• McKenzie, D., & Rapoport, H. (2010). Self-Selection Patterns in Mexico–U.S. Migration: The Role of Destination and Origin Country Conditions. Economica, 77(308), 653-678.
• United Nations. (2018). Global Compact for Refugees. UNHCR.
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• World Bank. (2019). Migration and Remittances Data. World Bank Publications.
• Yamin, A., & Van Gelder, C. (2017). Human Dignity and the Politics of Refugee Policy. Ethics & International Affairs, 31(4), 441-455.