Number of refugees resettled in the United States reaches 773

The United States has been actively engaged in refugee resettlement from Malta since 2006 and has resettled 773 refugees during that time.

"The United States is a nation of immigrants and has a long history of welcoming refugees," the embassy said in a statement. "The U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program reflects the highest values and aspirations of compassion, generosity, and leadership characteristic of the American people.

The latest group of refugees will be resettled in several different cities across the US. Ms Tracy Brown, Consul at the US Embassy, hosted a reception at the Ambassador's residence in Attard to welcome the refugees to their new lives in America.

"The U.S. Refugee Resettlement program strengthens the fabric of America as a land of immigrants and refugees from throughout the world," Brown said.

"This program is a success thanks to the collaboration of the Malta Government and the hard work of the staff at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration and the people of the United States of America. It is hard to imagine a responsible program dealing with migrants without UNHCR, IOM and dedicated non-governmental organizations like the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Emigrants Commission."

Once they arrive in the US, 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.