The first Syrian family to be resettled in the United States departed for Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, NBC News reported.
Ahmad al-Abboud and his family fled Syria’s civil war three years ago and found refuge in Jordan. But al-Abboud was unable to find work. His wife, family and five children are among the 1,000 Syrians who have been permitted to enter the U.S. from Jordan since last October.
"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 told The Associated Press on Wednesday from the international airport in the Jordanian capital of Amman.
Missouri’s state leaders have not tried to bar Syrian refugees, although Gov. Jay Nixon called on the federal government to use safeguards to protect Americans. Gov. Sam Brownback signed an executive order in November saying neighboring Kansas would not accept refugees.
Photo Credit: AP