The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Embassy have announced that the United States intends to continue the resettlement programme to allow more migrants living in Malta to be resettled in the U.S.

The programme is a collaborative partnership among the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Office of Migration (IOM), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and a number of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Thus far, the UNHCR has referred asylum seekers to the resettlement programme who were given temporary humanitarian protection. To date, the UNHCR is continuing the screening process and has referred more than 260 cases which are now in process. A group of 15 Somalian refugees have departed from Malta for the United States today, and in the next few weeks, another group of refugees will be embarking on their journey to resettle in the U.S.

Ambassador Bordonaro noted that the continuation of the refugee resettlement programme shows America’s continuing commitment to help ease the burden that migration has placed on Malta, and that it demonstrates our recognition of the enormous challenges and dangers that many of the migrants have faced. “This occasion marks the culmination of months of hard work on the part of UNHCR, IOM, and DHS, as well as those here in Malta who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of hundreds of refugees in need of humanitarian assistance,” Ambassador Bordonaro said. “I would like to extend congratulations to everyone who has made it possible for these refugees to begin the next chapter of their lives in the United States…and I look forward to soon announcing that the next group of refugees is ready to depart for resettlement.”

Ambassador Bordonaro observed that all refugees are 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. “I have personally met many of the refugees who are part of the programme,” Ambassador Bordonaro said, “and they will make outstanding U.S. citizens.”

In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tonio Borg noted that this process, which commenced a year ago, is a clear declaration that the United States does understand the illegal immigration problem which is being faced by Malta. “This is a continuous process that should lead towards having hundreds of people to be resettled in the United States. This is a sign of friendship between two countries whereby the United States is clearly helping out Malta.”