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In Hungary, masses of refugees entering the country seeking asylum or passage to Germany have strained resources and divided citizens over how the government should respond. Prime Minister Viktor Orban voiced concern this week that the large numbers of Muslims arriving in Hungary threaten the nation’s Christian traditions. While some in Hungary agree with his position, others feel more should be done to help those fleeing war and oppression in Syria and elsewhere. The European Union announced a plan to distribute the 160,000 asylum seeking refugees arriving on the borders of the continent evenly among countries. The plan would enforce mandatory quotas for each nation. Near the Hungarian border with Serbia where most migrants are crossing on foot, often after surviving dangerous passages to Europe by boat, many in the town of Szeged echo their prime minister’s concerns about the economic and cultural burden of taking in refugees. Local news reports play up the possibility of Muslim extremists possibly entering amid the masses. Some residents said they could not imagine the refugees ever adjusting to Hungarian culture, while others worried about the cost of feeding and housing those who arrive. While many Hungarians feel sympathy for those arriving in their country, they also feel unprepared for the effects. Local business owner Lenard Lowy feels that the European Union should do more to support the nations currently dealing with an influx of people and refugees alike. “Europe can tackle this crisis,” he said. “But even Europe is not able to take in millions more refugees, so a line should be drawn somewhere.” The refugees say they only want the opportunity to live in peace and support their families. Syrian refugee Basel Esa said he doesn’t want luxury, only to live in peace. “I don’t want to cause any problem for anyone,” he said.

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Warm up questions

1. Where is Hungary? What do you known about its culture?


2. What is a refugee?


3. What happens when a new group of people settle in an area with people of a different background?

Critical thinking questions

1. How should the Hungarian government be responding to the refugees entering their country?


2. Do you think the European Union’s plan to distribute asylum seekers among countries is fair?


3. What role should the U.S. play in resolving the crisis?