First Syrians leave for US under resettlement program
AMMAN- The first Syrian family to be resettled to the U.S. under its speeded-up "surge operation" departed to the United States Wednesday from the Jordanian capital, Amman.
"I'm happy. America is the country of freedom and democracy, there are jobs opportunities, there is good education, and we are looking forward to having a good life over there," al-Abboud said.
The family, who are from the Syrian city of Homs, had been living in Mafraq, a town north of Amman. He was unable to find work in Jordan, and the family was surviving on food coupons.
"I am ready to integrate in the U.S. and start a new life," he said from Amman's airport, where the family was due to board a flight to Kansas City, Missouri.
