SEATTLE — Global poverty is affecting more than 3 billion people in the current day and age, many individuals are force to live on less than $1 a day, and with families that are continuously growing, this can be an overwhelming task. The U.S. and its’ many NGOs work non-stop to aid these individuals, and while this does make a big difference, there are several misconceptions that citizens have about U.S. foreign aid.
1. Providing foreign aid takes away jobs from American Citizens
Often, American citizens believe that when we provide funding to outside countries we are creating jobs and industry in those countries, which will inevitably take away jobs from American citizens. This is incorrect. When we provide foreign aid to countries, we begin by creating platforms for development. Once a nation is educated, safe and has a steady source of food and water, it can then move on to becoming a more developed country. As a country develops, so do its peoples’ tastes. Often, these tastes require goods from overseas, usually from America. This way, by helping a country to develop, the U.S. is not only bringing about a strong ally in the global market it is also increasing jobs on its own turf by creating the industry that is required to support the needs of their foreign investments.
2. Around 30 percent of government funding goes to foreign aid
The international affairs budget, in respect to both diplomacy and aid, only accounts for two percent of the U.S. budget. When broken down further, only .7 percent of the federal budget went towards poverty-reduction in 2014. Most American believe that about 25 to 30 percent of the U.S. budget goes toward foreign aid, and it is this misconception that keeps constituents angry when they hear that the U.S. is raising their international affairs budget—many even ask for it to be “slashed” to 10 percent. However, it is imperative that this budget gets more attention; it will only benefit the global community and the U.S. itself.
3. The U.S. spends more on foreign aid than it does on military spending
As the military-industrial complex has become increasingly rooted in American society, it is no surprise that the American people worry that foreign aid will cut into defense spending, making us more susceptible to harm. However, as previously detailed, only about two percent of the federal budget goes toward foreign aid. Around $30 billion goes to aiding the impoverished worldwide, while the defense budget is $663 billion.
4. The U.S. loses more money than it gains when providing foreign aid
As detailed in misconception number one, development only prompts business, in fact, 43 out of the past 50 USAID recipient countries are now trade partners with the U.S. The top consumers of American Agriculture products were once U.S. foreign aid recipients. By providing aid we are creating relationships with other countries that can save us in the long run.
5. By providing aid, the U.S. is not teaching individuals how to support themselves and is allowing governments to remain dissonant in regards to their people
Many believe that when the U.S. intervenes in an impoverished country, we allow the government to turn a blind-eye to the struggles of its citizens. This is not true. Literacy rates are up 33 percent worldwide and birth rates are decreasing, showing promise for safer sex practices and better health for women in developing countries. By providing education for the people, a country is built from the bottom up. Its people can become more innovative and reach for higher jobs in the global market, bringing business and acclaim along with them.
When we work together to help our friends overseas, we can make a difference in our lives and theirs, and inevitably make the world a better place.
– Sumita Tellakat
Sources: The Borgen Project 1, The Hill, The Borgen Project 2