Syrian relatives of Pa. family back in United States
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- More than one week after being sent back to Syria, just hours after landing in the United States with valid visas, the Assali family is back in the United States.
They were turned away at Philadelphia International Airport last Saturday after President Donald Trump issued his executive order banning travel from seven countries.
However, a federal judge in Seattle blocked that order on Friday.
That means visa holders who were either turned away at the border, like the Assali's, are now allowed back into the country.
They arrived on Monday morning in New York City, greeted by their relatives from Allentown.
"I did not think this was going to happen. I was hoping it was going to happen, so today I think we reached what we were trying to do, and I think the results are wonderful," said Sarmad Assali of Allentown.
The family was paid a visit by Gov. Tom Wolf at their Allentown home, who took the opportunity to express his thoughts about the president's executive order.
"You cannot say 'you're not welcome here because of your religion, or because of the language you speak or the place you come from, or the color of your skin.' That's just wrong," he said.
Mathyo Assali, One of the six who made the journey, says the support he and his family received from the American public was overwhelming.
"Very happy and very grateful that a lot of people support us. I did not imagine a lot of people here were supporting us, and I am very grateful," he said.
The new American residents will move into their new home in Allentown, which was purchased and renovated by their extended family as a gift.
