Governor Wolf made a stop in Allentown to see the newly reunited Assali family Monday, after President Trump’s executive order kept them apart. 

 

The Assali family had trouble getting into the United States, after confusion with President Trump’s immigration order. 

 

The family started the visa process back in 2003. They were mid-flight from Syria to Philadelphia, when they were told that they had to return to Syria. 

 

The family traveled by car from Damascus to Beruit. Then traveled to Abu Dhabi, where they took a flight to JFK Airport.  Governor Wolf met the family at their home in Allentown and spoke about how it was a great day, not only because the family is reunited, but the governor added that it’s great to welcome good people into the commonwealth. Governor Wolf also gave his thoughts on immigration as a whole.   

 

“We want people. My ancestors and I… imagine all of your ancestors came to this country, to Pennsylvania, from somewhere else. That’s who we are,” Wolf said. “You cannot say that you are not welcome here because of your religion, the language you speak, the place you come from or the color of your skin. That’s just wrong.”

 

In response to the immigration ban, Governor Wolf has said “this is not who we are.”