While Americans debate the idea of allowing Syrian refugees into the country, it's important to know that many of them are already here.

Many have been coming since the Arab Spring about five years ago. Hasan Al-Nablsi came to the United States one year ago with his wife, two young daughters and 8-year-old son. They were opponents of President Assad's government.

Al-Nablsi left a real estate business and car dealership outside Damascus. Before coming to the U.S., the Al-Nablsi family first went to bordering Jordan. That's where they applied for refugee status with the United Nations before the U.S. government offered them the chance to come to New Jersey. The application process lasted a full year.

Al-Nablsi says he was happy that the American government did background checks because it gives him and his family comfort knowing that everyone around him is checked.

He says that he is happy that his children will now have freedom and opportunities and hopes his young son will one day become a doctor.

Al-Nablsi also says that he would like to see the United States simplify the refugee process for refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. He says there is no life for refugees in those countries.