A number of Syrian families have already arrived in Texas and Indiana through the help of groups that defied the actions taken by their governors who sought to block the refugees from resettling in the U.S.

According to Lucy Carrigan of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a family of six are now living in the Dallas area near their relatives.

"They seem very happy," Carrigan said, according to the Associated Press.

Their apartment has basic furniture and a stocked refrigerator.

"This has been a long journey for them, and it's been a long journey for a lot of Syrian refugees," she said.

In Houston, a couple and their four daughters arrived Monday night through the help of Refugee Services of Texas. Nine more refugees will arrive this week.

"We can reassure all Texans that the refugees are receiving a warm and compassionate welcome from staff and volunteers," said Aaron Rippenkroeger, president and CEO of the company.

A Syrian couple with two children were resettled in Indianapolis Monday night where they have relatives.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis said the family fled Syria three years ago and were subjected to two years of security checks before they were allowed to go to the U.S.

Archbishop Joseph Tobin said he considered Gov. Mike Pence's request not to bring the refugees to Indiana until the U.S. Congress has passed a new legislation on immigrants and refugees but he welcomed them anyway as helping refugees "is an essential part of our identity as Catholic Christians."

Pence and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott were among the governors who opposed the U.S. resettlement of Syrian refugees after the Paris attacks on Nov. 13.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump proposed that all Muslims should be banned from entering the U.S.

Pence criticised Trump, saying banning Muslims is "offensive and unconstitutional."

He said the real issue is not about the Syrian refugees but "about an administration and Congress that should take decisive action to pause this programme."

Pence said he would not deny the refugees Medicaid, food stamps or other social services.

Abbott joined Sen. Ted Cruz in Washington to support the latter's bill that will allow governors to reject refugees who are deemed security risk.

Texas filed a lawsuit against the IRC and the federal government but has since backed down.