Refugees Depart For The United States

On September 23, a group of twenty refugees from Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia left Malta to begin a new life in the United States.  Since the U.S. Embassy began its permanent refugee resettlement program in May 2008, over 320 refugees have been resettled to the U.S.

U.S. Ambassador Douglas Kmiec hosted a reception for the refugees on the eve of their departure.  Speaking at the event, Ambassador Kmiec reiterated the U.S. Government’s commitment to help ease the burden that migration has placed on Malta.  He also commented on the EU’s pilot program for resettling irregular immigrants from Malta, which was recently launched by EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot.

The Ambassador called the recent news that six EU countries have pledged to resettle refugees from Malta “a promising start,” but added, “I hope that more of Malta’s EU neighbors will show their support by signing up to the resettlement initiative.”

The latest group of refugees will be resettled in cities across the United States, including Denver, Colorado; Atlanta, Georgia; and Portland, Oregon.  Speaking to the refugees, Ambassador Kmiec said, “America is a land of opportunity whose identity has been forged by generations of immigrants, and I am certain that each of you will find a bright future there as you become a part of our unique and diverse society.” 

Once they arrive in the U.S., each refugee 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.