The man known as "Son of Hamas" says he's thankful to be given asylum in the U.S.

"I'm grateful to God," said Mosab Yousef. "Second, I'm grateful for everybody who prayed, sent a letter or made a phone call."

Those were Yousef's first words after learning he will not be deported back to the West Bank. His father was a leader in the Hamas terrorist organization.

Yousef left Islam for Christianity and became an Israeli spy. He wrote about his experiences in his book entitled "Son of Hamas." Since then, he's faced death threats and warnings not to return home.

"I will keep fighting the idealogy that is behind the terrorists," Yousef said. I know how they think and I know this is the real danger that is facing liberty, facing freedom, facing humanity."

Yousef also said he looks forward to celebrating the Fourth of July and becoming an American citizen.