Ahmad al-Abboud, who is being resettled with his wife and five children, said that although he is thankful to Jordan — where he has lived for three years after fleeing Syria's civil war — he is hopeful of finding a better life in the U.S.

"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 said.

The family, who are from the Syrian city of Homs, had been living in Mafraq, a town north of Amman. He was unable to find work in Jordan, and the family was surviving on food coupons.

Ahmad, who is 45 years old, said he had ambitious to find a job to support his family and to learn English.

"I am ready to integrate in the U.S. and start a new life," he said, speaking to The Associated Press in Amman's airport, where the family was due to board a flight to Kansas City, Missouri.