The debate over whether to allow Syrian refugees into the country is intensifying.
President Barack Obama says let them in, but in Florida Governor Rick Scott wants to turn them away.
One family in Seminole County spoke with News 13’s Christina Jensen about what life was like in Syria.
Mohammed Yousef said the violence was so unbearable in his homeland of Daraah, he had to flee. He left behind many of his family members, but was able to take his wife and three children with him.
In 2012, an explosion changed his life forever. A bomb was dropped on his house and from that blast debris crushed his leg. Now, metal screws hold his leg in place.
“January 1, 2013 is when they fled after he had the leg injury. That is when they were like it’s time to leave so they fled with an organization that specifies in helping Syrians flee to a refugee camp in Jordan,” said Yousef's translator.
After a few years living in overcrowded camps, Mohammed and his family were granted refugee status in the United States. This past August, they arrived in Sanford to begin their new lives. However, politicians didn’t exactly receive them with open arms. Dozens of governors are calling for Syrian refugees to be turned away for security reasons.
“He hopes his brothers and sisters have the same opportunity, but on the other hand it’s something normal for Syrians to have this feeling of rejection,” said Yousef's translator.
The organization, Floridians Responding to Refugees, provided Mohammed with a home, furniture and 6 months of rent. Mohammed is now looking for a job as an air conditioning repair man, a job he did back in Syria.
The organization is always in need of furniture donations and volunteers.