Refugees start new life in US

A group of 13 refugees from Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan leave Malta today to begin a new life in the US. Since the US Embassy began its permanent refugee resettlement programme in May 2008, over 250 refugees have been resettled in the US. The programme...

A group of 13 refugees from Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan leave Malta today to begin a new life in the US.

Since the US Embassy began its permanent refugee resettlement programme in May 2008, over 250 refugees have been resettled in the US. The programme is a partnership between the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Office of Migration (IOM), the US Department of Homeland Security and local NGOs.

US Embassy Chargè d'Affaires Jason Davis said the programme proved America's continuing commitment to help ease the burden that migration placed on Malta and also its recognition of the enormous challenges and dangers many migrants faced.

He said all refugees were assigned a sponsor agency in the US that provided initial services such as housing, food and clothing and also referral to medical care, employment services and other support services during the transition period to self-sufficiency. The services were provided to facilitate refugees with the process of integration and cultural assimilation.

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