[true_religion]

I think more people would have respect for the plight of Syrian refugees, if broad support of immigration weren't a hallmark of the democratic platform.

If the platform was utterly protectionist (or at the very least pragmatic), but made a moral exception for Syrians then it'd be easier to listen to.

Instead today, it feels as if supporters of immigration are simply cherry picking the most sympathetic candidates and using them to prop open the door for everyone else.

No one lacks sympathy for war refugees, what we all disagree on is where, when, and how such sympathy should be expressed. There are wars happening in our world constantly. Should there be an open door policy to all refugees? Should they ever be expected to leave the country? (some say yes, but I'd argue that after building a life for 5+ years in the US, you ought to given permanent residency). Should there be any kind of screening processes? (after all wars do not erupt from nowhere, some civilians will always support the 'bad' side, even if they eventually become refugees).