The recent crackdowns on undocumented foreign labor in Lebanon which appear to target Syrian and Palestinian refugees are quite worrisome, as they raise questions about the motives behind the moves.

Neither community is here of its own volition, with the Syrians fleeing brutal massacres and destruction at home, while the Palestinians are unable to return to their own lands, which were seized decades ago during the creation of the state of Israel and subsequent conflicts.

The question is why now, in the midst of the myriad challenges the country is facing, should a crackdown on hapless refugees be deemed a good idea?

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