Another 20 immigrants yesterday left for the United States to begin a new life.

The American Embassy said that since May 2008, 320 refugees have resettled in the US from Malta as part of its permanent resettlement programme.

The new US Ambassador to Malta Douglas Kmiec said news that six EU countries pledged to follow suit was a promising start.

"I hope that more of Malta's EU neighbours will show their support by signing up to the resettlement initiative," he said.

The refugees will meanwhile be resettled in places including Denver, Atlanta, and Portland.

Once they arrive, each will be assigned a sponsor agency that provides 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 in order to ensure integration and assimilation.

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