But even without these there are still millions. including many "hard core" cases. the most pitiable of all. These are the sick. the handicapped. and the old. unwanted and doomed to hopelessness unless we open our hearts and our countries to them. World Refugee Year has made some progress in softening the unhappy lot of this "hard core." Countries which formerly excluded them have granted entry. Barriers against the sick and handicapped have been reduced. Families have been allowed to join more fortunate relatives. As the Year comes to an end let us call attention to several major considerations affecting the plight of refugees. First. the world cannot afford to let the situation as it now is fester without remedy. It is a source not only of distress but also of possible dissension. Alleviating the distress frequently turns to the benefit of the benefactors. We should remind ourselves that providing for the care of refugees may be more a matter of enlightened selfinterest than of charity. Refugees. even the handicapped. contribute greatly to the countries in which they find a haven. Freedom of thought. high courage. resourcefulness. and independence of spirit are attributes of the political and religious refugee. Such people should be welcome in every country. Let us remember that the United States was settled in large part by refugees. To them and their many contributions we owe much of our greatness. If World Refugee Year has quickened the senses of the world to these considerations. triumph will overcome tragedy.
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Refugees Refugee refugee refugees