HARTFORD, CT – Connecticut’s political leaders and activists joined immigrants and their families to celebrate the contributions of foreign-born residents at the state Capitol Wednesday.

The 25th annual Immigrant Day celebration was hosted by the Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition (CIRC), a network of organizations committed to protecting the rights and economic development of refugee and immigrant communities in Connecticut. As part of the ceremony, eight immigrants received Immigrant of the Year, which honors individuals whose contributions have uplifted their communities and enrich the fabric of Connecticut.

“Today we acknowledge the contributions of immigrants in every sector of life: healthcare, business, education, culture, arts, refugee resettlement services, and more,” said Dana Bucin, CIRC board member and an immigration attorney. “But, at the same time, while we celebrate, we also have to acknowledge the dire need for immigration reform in this country, the dire need of helping immigrants achieve the American dream, whether they came here legally or in unfortunate circumstances that made them undocumented. Becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States is something that we need to help immigrants achieve and that is not easy, especially these days.”

State Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, who immigrated to the United States with his parents from Taiwan, said Connecticut must remain welcoming and engaged with immigrant populations who are facing serious challenges.

“We as immigrants, who love and risk coming into this country, are very much in the midst of a very tumultuous time,” he said. “And I think it’s really important to remind all of us in this State Capitol of Connecticut, the people’s building, that this country and this state were built by immigrants. It is important for us to recognize the passion, the commitment and the sacrifices that have been made by immigrants that have made this country.”

Gov. Ned Lamont also addressed the gathering, saying the United States has not always lived up to its ideals and citing the country’s history of laws targeting immigrants. He also referenced the voyage of the St. Louis, a ship carrying hundreds of Jews fleeing Nazi Germany which was denied entry to the United States. The ship returned to Europe, where over 250 of the ship’s 937 passengers were killed in the Holocaust.

“That story is just a reminder to me what it means for America to be a home for refugees, and to be a beacon of hope for immigrants around the world,” he said. “Come to this country. We want you here. We need you here.” 

The keynote for the event was delivered by Karim Ismaili, president of Eastern Connecticut State University and a first generation immigrant himself. Born to a Pakistani father and a Kenyan mother, his family fled Kenya to the United Kingdom in the 1970’s due to political unrest and anti-South Asian prejudice. His family also faced harassment and danger in London, and eventually received a humanitarian visa to settle in Canada.

“One day, we were in London. The next, we were in Vancouver, unable to know if we would ever go back,” he said. “Canada became our refuge, and through it all, my mother instilled in us the values that shaped who we are: respect for others, compassion, a commitment to hard work, and a deep belief in the power of education.”

Ismaili, like many Eastern CT students, is a first-generation college student.

“And like many of them, my journey has profoundly shaped the person I’ve become,” he said.

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