US resettles 13 more refugees

A group of 13 refugees from Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia left Malta on Thursday to start a new life in the US as part of the American Embassy's permanent refugee resettlement programme.

The refugees will be resettled in cities across the US, where each refugee will be assigned a sponsor agency providing initial services such as housing, food and clothing.

They will also be provided with referral to medical care, employment services and other support during a transition period lasting up to two years to ensure integration and assimilation.

Speaking to the refugees during a reception on Monday, Ambassador Douglas Kmiec said: "America is a land of opportunity whose identity has been forged by generations of immigrants, and I am certain each of you will find a bright future there as you become a part of our unique and diverse society."

Since the programme started in May 2008, more than 350 asylum seekers have been resettled in the US from Malta, the embassy said.