Politicians left and right are pulling their hair out trying to solve the refugee crisis. Some want to let them in; others want better vetting procedures before letting them in. Then there are those who understand the threat to national security and are not willing to put Americans at risk for the sake of foreign nationals. This is considered by some to be xenophobic or inhumane. I call it making “hard choices” for the sake of the nation. We can’t save everybody in the world all the time. However, I think I may have a solution that will appease the masses on both sides of the issue.

The crux of the problem with the refugee influx is that we are inviting potential threats to come live inside our borders. One way to resolve this problem on a global scale is to not invite any refugees inside our borders. I am not suggesting leaving them out in the cold to fend for themselves, so please continue reading. There are hundreds of uninhabited islands in the Pacific Ocean. There are plenty of archipelagoes that could be modified through man-made means (think China’s man-made South China Sea islands) to support a decent sized populous. These islands are not currently being used by anyone, so why don’t the refugee host nations come together and find/modify a group of islands that could house the entire refugee populace.

Finding a location is not enough though. These people need shelter, food, water, and clothing. The shelter portion is (fairly) easily achieved. The United States Navy has a talented group of individuals called the Seabees. These Sailors are construction powerhouses capable of building a functional airbase in hostile territory in a matter of days. Their sole purpose in life is to build in unfamiliar territory, sometimes under fire, and to do so with great expediency. These men and women have the capability to build the refugees shelter and facilities in the time it will take these politicians to figure out where to put them. It will cost some money, but if all of the host nations pitch in materials and manpower the burden will be lessened for all.

Once the refugees are settled at their new island homes, the US and EU nations will be able to provide material support in the form of food, water, clothing, medicine, and amenities. Doctors Without Borders and the Red Cross can be utilized to provide medical care and training for those refugees with medical experience. A small NATO force could be utilized to provide protection and police services. All of these needs could be provided for while endangering zero percent of the American or European population and without being “cruel and inhumane” to the refugees.

I do understand that it would be virtually impossible to house all three million refugees on these island communities. Women, children under 18, and the elderly would have preference. Able bodied men would be escorted by NATO forces back to a safe zone in Syria. Food, water, and medical would be provided for in the safe zone. Shelter would be provided in the form of large tents and bunks. If they are unsatisfied with living in the safe zone, then they can go back and fight for their country. This option would also provide for the refugees while endangering zero American or European citizens.

We can be compassionate and humanitarian without taking unnecessary risks. We don’t despise the refugees and we don’t think all Muslims are terrorists. However, when a terrorist organization says that they will put their people in with the refugees and use the opportunity to attack us, why take the chance? Sometimes you lead with your heart and sometimes you lead with your head. This is not the time for a bleeding heart. This is the time for a logical mind and a plan that doesn’t endanger civilians.