A Syrian Christian family who were sent back to their home country after trying to be with relatives in the US have finally been reunited after 13 years.
Six members of the Assali family were finally allowed into America after Donald Trump's travel ban on seven mainly Muslim nations, including Syria, was stopped by a federal court judge on the grounds it was unconstitutional.
The ruling from a legal battle between Donald Trump's government and lawyers opposing the ban is due later this week, to rule whether the block on the ban should be maintained or whether the ban must be allowed to continue.
The Assali family were sent back to Syria from Philadelphia Airport in January because of the ban, even though their immigration papers were in order and they had a house to go to.
The recent blocking of the travel ban gave them an opportunity to enter America and make a new life there.
US Governor Tom Wolf was among politicians and campaigners calling for the Assalis to be allowed to reunite. Videos of the Assalis reuniting at JFK airport, and reaching their family home in Pennsylvania, are below.
Sarmad Assali told Sky News: "We all want America to be safe, and people coming in should be checked properly.
"But this is a nation of immigrants. Don't shut the door. It's what this country was built on."
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us
Article by Aaron James
Tola Mbakwe is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
