Twelve more refugees to start new life in the United States

Twelve Eritrean and Somali refugees have left Malta to begin a new life in the US under the permanent refugee resettlement programme of the US Embassy.

Since the embassy began its programme in May 2008, well over 500 refugees have been resettled in the US.

US Ambassador Douglas Kmiec said: "Every refugee welcomed to the shores of America is following in the footsteps of our American forefathers, and this is indeed America's story. Nothing makes me more proud as Ambassador to Malta, than to help those most in need and uphold the humanitarian values, and the legacy of immigration, that make America great. The nation is strengthened by the courage, ambition and vision of those who seek freedom and opportunity in the United States."

The latest group of refugees will be resettled in cities across the country including Houston, Columbus, Salt Lake City, Jersey City, Providence, Raleigh, San José, Baltimore and Stone Mountain.

Once they arrive in the US, each refugee will be assigned a sponsor agency providing initial services such as housing, food and clothing, as well as referral to medical care, employment services and other support during a transition period lasting up to two years, to ensure integration and assimilation.