Press Release Governor Lamont Notifies President Trump Connecticut Will Continue Welcoming Refugees

NEWS

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG CONTINUES FIGHT TO PROTECT DREAMERS FROM TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S UNLAWFUL AND CRUEL POLICIES

(August 28, 2020) - Attorney General William Tong today joined a coalition of 17 attorneys general from around the nation in continuing the fight against the Trump Administration's efforts to eliminate DACA and threaten Dreamers with deportation.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that the Trump Administration violated the law in attempting to cancel the DACA program, which grants Dreamers work permits and reprieve from deportation. But, instead of following the Court's ruling, Chad Wolf, the acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a new memorandum on July 28 announcing that the Administration would no longer accept new DACA applications.

In amotion filed today, the coalition of attorneys general asks the federal district court to immediately vacate the Wolf memo. The coalition argues that the memo, like the initial Trump Administration attempt to rescind DACA, violates the Administrative Procedures Act and is unlawful since Wolf is not lawfully serving as acting secretary of Homeland Security.

"The Trump Administration's attack on DACA has been flawed, cruel and completely unnecessary since day one. Thousands of Dreamers in Connecticut and across the nation have been left in a devastating limbo because of these vicious and unlawful attacks,"Attorney General Tong said."The Trump Administration's continued attempts to dismantle DACA is rooted in bad law and bungled procedure. I am working with attorneys general across the country to protect these young adults, many of whom were brought to our country as infants. We will not allow these xenophobic and racist policies to prevail in our nation."

In 2012, the Obama Administration created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program, which granted legal work authorization and protection from deportation to young people who had been brought to this country at a young age. With legal work authorizations, Dreamers perform a wide variety of critical job functions, including as teachers, health care workers, and information technology specialists, among numerous other professions. Such work allows these DACA recipients to provide vital financial support to their families, and to enhance the economies of their local communities — contributing approximately $8.7 billion each year in federal, state, and local taxes across the country. In Connecticut, DACA recipients contribute more than $300 million annually to the state's economy.

After President Trump ordered his administration to rescind DACA , a prolonged legal battle began in September 2017 that made its way through multiple courts before landing at the U.S. Supreme Court in November 2019. This past June, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration's attempt to cancel the DACA program was arbitrary and capricious, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit also ruled against the Trump Administration, finding the rescission of DACA unlawful.

Despite these rulings, Wolf has ordered DHS to reject all new initial DACA applications; to change the renewal period for current beneficiaries from two years to one year; and to reject all advance parole applications absent exceptional circumstances.

In today's motion — filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, and Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson — the coalition argues that these orders fly in the face of both the Supreme Court and the Fourth Circuit's earlier orders.

The coalition specifically argues that DHS's new memo related to DACA once again violates the Administrative Procedure Act and that its issuance by Chad Wolf is a violation of both the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and the Homeland Security Act. The coalition seeks to have the July 28 memo vacated and to have the DACA program restored to where it stood before the September 2017 rescission, as the Supreme Court ordered in June.

Joining Attorneys General Tong, James, Healey, and Ferguson in filing this motion are the attorneys general of Colorado, Delaware, Hawai'i, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Immigrants in Connecticut are a force in the state's economy and demographic shifts, new report shows

(Hartford Courant, July 14, 2020) — Immigrants are playing a significant role in Connecticut's economy and are a force in the state's demographic evolution, a new report Monday shows, pointing out that one in six state residents born in the U.S. has at least one immigrant parent.

"The fact that so many people in Connecticut do have one parent who is an immigrant is a higher number than I expected," said Robert J. Fishman, executive director of the Connecticut Immigration and Refugee Coalition, a non-profit advocacy group.

MORE…

GOV. LAMONT STATEMENT ON US SUPREME COURT DECISION ON DACA

"The Supreme Court affirmed today what we have been saying all along – Dreamers are members of our communities and any attempt to change that would be unjust and wrong. Tearing people from the only homes they have ever known is cruel, heartless, and – despite what the administration may claim – doesn't even serve a national security purpose. As leaders elected to represent communities across our country, we should be doing everything in our power to make our country stronger, and this attempt to end the DACA program would have done the exact opposite. I applaud the Supreme Court for making the right decision today and giving Dreamers across our country the stability that they deserve."

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG STATEMENT ON SCOTUS DACA DECISION

June 18, 2020 – Attorney General William Tong issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court decision today blocking the Trump Administration's effort to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

"Today is a tremendous victory for Dreamers and the rule of law. For years, thousands of young people have been trapped in a terrifying limbo, their hopes and dreams on hold as we fought this case through our legal system. The Trump Administration's attack on DACA was cruel and completely unnecessary, rooted in bad law and badly bungled procedure. This decision is a stunning legal rebuke of a centerpiece of Trump's hate-filled and xenophobic immigration policy. This is a moment to celebrate, but our fight continues on behalf of countless other immigrant families still in the shadows, who too deserve a fair chance to achieve their American dream," said Attorney General Tong.

In 2017, Connecticut joined 15 other states in a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration's arbitrary and unlawful decision to revoke DACA. The suit argued that the Trump Administration's attempt to revoke DACA was based on a faulty legal analysis and harmed State residents, institutions, and economies. In February 2018, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District issued a nationwide preliminary injunction that halted DACA's termination. The case ultimately went to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Attorney General Tong joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general filing a brief last September.

Know Your Rights During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The spread of Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has changed daily life for millions of people across the United States. This guide, created by HIAS, offers information to refugees, asylum seekers, asylees and other immigrants about the rights you have during this uncertain time. Topics include Housing, Employment, Healthcare, Safety, Immigration, Economic Impact Payments and Travel Loans.

If you have any questions about the content of this guide, or if you are looking for resources in your area, please contact your case manager or local or local legal support agency. You may also review the links provided at the bottom of this document for more information.

• Arabic

• English

• Farsii

• French

• Russian

• Spanish

• Swahili
  

ON JANUARY 27, 2020, THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT SET ASIDE THE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTIONS THAT PREVENTED THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) PUBLIC CHARGE RULE FROM TAKING EFFECT NATIONWIDE.

THIS MEANS THAT THE PUBLIC CHARGE RULE WILL BE ALLOWED TO GO INTO EFFECT WHILE THE LITIGATION CONTINUES.

LINKS TO 2 EXPLANATORY DOCUMENTS:

Q&A AND ANALYSIS OF CHANGES TO PUBLIC CHARGE — DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG JOINS EFFORT TO DEFEND REFUGEES AGAINST UNLAWFUL EXECUTIVE ORDER

Connecticut Welcomed 2,068 Refugees Over Last 5 Years

Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general, led by California, Illinois, and Maryland, in an amicus brief seeking to block President Trump's unlawful executive order on refugee resettlement and the U.S. Department of State's recent attempt to implement that order's consent requirement. The executive order seeks to upend the existing refugee resettlement process by requiring resettlement agencies to obtain written consent from state and local authorities before being able to place refugees in their jurisdictions.

In the brief filed in HIAS, INC. v. Donald Trump, the coalition argues that the executive order violates the Refugee Act of 1980, interferes with state sovereignty, undermines family reunification efforts, and disrupts the states' abilities to deliver essential resources that help refugees contribute to the communities that welcome them.

Pursuant to the order, Governor Ned Lamont submitted a letter on December 11 officially notifying the Trump Administration of Connecticut's intent to continue accepting refugees fleeing persecution and seeking safety from violence.

"Over the last five years, Connecticut has opened its doors to over 2,000 refugees fleeing violence and persecution. And Governor Lamont made it clear earlier this month that—despite the President's unlawful order—Connecticut will remain an open and welcoming state. But states and cities shouldn't get a politically-motivated veto power when it comes to reuniting refugee families. This order is an unlawful insult to America's history as a nation of hope and refuge, and must be struck down," said Attorney General Tong.

"One of the biggest points lost in this entire conversation is that nobody chooses to be a refugee – we are talking about families who, through no fault of their own, are fleeing violence, seeking a safe place to raise their children, and trying to do so through the proper legal processes," said Governor Lamont. "The resettlement of people escaping violence and seeking peace is a bedrock principle on which the United States was founded. Putting up barriers to erode this tradition and slow down the ability of these families to have a safe place to call home, which is what this presidential executive order attempts to accomplish, does nothing to make anyone more safe."

Each year, thousands of refugees are admitted into the United States and welcomed into communities across the country where they can connect with services, resources, and members of their family or cultural community that help them not just adjust but thrive. President Trump's executive order threatens to erode the decades-old refugee relocation system established by the U.S. Congress, which provides for the effective resettlement of refugees and assists them in achieving economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. The Refugee Act does not grant the President the authority to give states or their local governments the ability to veto the initial placement of refugees within their jurisdictions. In fact, the federal requirement to seek additional consent from county authorities undermines state sovereignty and runs contrary to one of the purposes of the Refugee Act: to give states a greater voice in making recommendations about refugee placement. Moreover, the consent requirement places an undue administrative burden on resettlement agencies, which would hinder the states' abilities to deliver services.

Since October 2014, Connecticut has welcomed and resettled 2,068 refugees. Connecticut, like all the coalition states, has established a statewide system for facilitating funding for refugee placement in the state, as well as long-term services and programs to support refugees.

The executive order also undermines the Refugee Act's family reunification provisions. Contrary to the act, the executive order would prevent family reunification, unless local governments consent, for certain refugees who have non-refugee family members already living in the United States. As a result, under the executive order, a refugee could be prevented from resettling in a community where they already have a child or sibling. Failing to adequately take existing familial ties into account contravenes congressional intent and directly harms efforts to maximize cultural supports that help refugees and their communities succeed. In 2015, refugees' businesses generated $4.6 billion in income nationally. A 2017 draft report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that refugees contributed $63 billion more in tax revenue than they received in public benefits over the preceding decade.

In submitting the brief, Attorney General Tong joins the attorneys general of California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.

Governor Lamont Notifies President Trump: Connecticut Will Continue Welcoming Refugees

Hartford; December 11, 2019 — Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has submitted a letter notifying the Trump administration of the State of Connecticut's intent to continue accepting refugees who are fleeing persecution and seeking safety from violence, saying that the state values the long history of the United States in welcoming those pursuing asylum as this tradition strengthens the state and nation socially, culturally, and economically.

Read copy of Gov. Lamont's letter.

The letter is in response to an executive order President Trump signed in September requiring every state and municipality in the nation that is willing to receive refugees to provide his administration with written consent, and for the first time allowing local and state governments to refuse to accept people who are seeking to resettle.

"Nobody chooses to be a refugee. This new requirement for states and towns to notify the federal government on whether they are willing to continue accepting refugees is simply an attempt by the Trump administration to deny safety to vulnerable families across the world," Governor Lamont said. "Resettlement of people fleeing violence and seeking a safe place to raise their children is a bedrock principle on which the United States was founded. Attacking immigrants and refugees does nothing to make our communities stronger, and in fact only achieves the exact opposite. Connecticut will continue welcoming those escaping persecution and upholding the long tradition of the United States as a place that treats every human being with dignity and respect."

Governor Lamont is encouraging chief elected officials from towns and cities in Connecticut to join him in providing such consent to the Trump administration and reaffirming the state's longstanding commitment to welcoming refugees as valued members of society.

NOMINATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2020 IMMIGRANT AWARDS

CIRC is seeking nominations for the 23rd annual CT Immigrant Day, to be held on April 21, 2020 at the Connecticut State Capitol.

Ideal candidates are those that have made a significant impact on their community and in their fields. Nominees will be able to demonstrate overcoming obstacles to becoming pillars of their community. We encourage you to apply.

Immigrant Day is an annual event sponsored by the Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition honoring local and statewide immigrants who have contributed to their communities and professions.

Selected nominees will be honored at a ceremony held at the Old Judiciary Room at the State Capitol in Hartford, Connecticut.

Nominations due: March 16, 2020 (click on form at right to view and print nomination form)

Correspondence from the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

DHS Final Rule on Public Charge Does Not Affect ORR Populations; September 4, 2019:

"Receipt of public benefits by refugees has no public charge consequences for them under both existing law and the changes contained…"

Click on image at right to see full document.

Connecticut Immigrant Day Awards Presented at State Capitol to 19 Distinguished Immigrants for Achievements in CT

Nineteen immigrants to Connecticut from 16 countries around the world who have made significant contributions to the state and nation were honored at State Capitol ceremonies on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 by the Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition (CIRC).

The individuals, including many who have been in the state for decades and some more recent immigrants, came to the United States from Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Egypt, Greece, India, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Korea, Lithuania, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine.

Connecticut U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal at Immigrant Day ceremonies.

"Immigrants have always been – and continue to be – an abundant and enduring strength of our great nation," said Robert Fishman, Executive Director of the Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition, which sponsored the 22nd Annual Connecticut Immigrant Day observance with the Office of Secretary of the State. "Connecticut is fortunate to have many remarkable individuals who have contributed tremendously to our state, and we are proud to honor them and their contributions to our shared community."

The ceremony featured remarks by U.S. Senator RIchard Blumenthal, Lieutentant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Attorney General William Tong and Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, ceremonies honoring 19 immigrants to Connecticut, and special awards. The mission of CIRC, a coalition of about a dozen organizations across Connecticut, is to promote the rights and opportunities of immigrants and refugees in Connecticut and to foster their civic participation.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong

Immigrants Honored for Contributions to Connecticut

CIRC honorees in 2019 are residents of 14 communities in Connecticut:  Avon, Berlin, Bloomfield, Bristol, Danbury, Hartford, New Haven, Newington, North Haven, Norwalk, Orange, Simsbury, South Windsor, and West Hartford.  They are:

• Fatma Antar, retired Prof. of Economics at Manchester Comm. College, on the boards of Muslim Coalition of CT and Islamic Assoc. of Greater Hartford; very involved with Interfaith understanding and resettlement of refugees.

• Darek Barcikowski, Honorary Consul of Poland in Connecticut; owner of White Eagle media which publishes Polish newspapers in eight states.

• Peter Barzach, currently Vice President of Operations for Data-Mail and, with his wife Amy, after the tragic death of their baby son, co-founded Jonathan's Dream, the first playground in the U.S. for disabled children, providing opportunities for play with all other children in a fun and safe playspace.

• Andre Brel, owner of Juniper Homecare which provides healthcare services for thousands of older adults and families throughout the state. He has volunteered in many ways to assist the Russian elderly refugees in the Hartford area.

• Michael Chambers, an Electrical Engineer and contractor; established the Cricket Hall of Fame and coordinates scholarship, beauty and sports pageants and the West Indian Parade in Hartford every year.

• Peter Iosifides, a Plumbing contractor, has helped many churches in the state by providing materials, labor and workers, including for two Baptist churches in his community of Norwich. He has given in-kind and financial and mentoring support to the Hellenic Studies Paideia at UConn.

• Min Jung Kim, the CEO of the New Britain Museum of American Art. She worked at the Guggenheim Foundation and Eli Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University.

• Georges Annan Kingsley, an Artist and art teacher in Hartford and a radio host. He and his wife volunteer with Asylum Hill Neighborhood as community leaders who work toward acceptance and well-being of refugees and immigrants.

• Zdzislawa Lempicka, at the age of 16, joined the Polish Home Army (underground) and fought in some of the bloodiest engagements in the 1944 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. She has spent decades mentoring and educating young people in the Scouting movement.

• Dr. Mohammed Reza Mansoor, a Cardiologist at Starling Cardiology, is president of the Islamic Association of Greater Hartford, founding president of the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut, and past president of the Islamic Council of New England. He is the author of Stigmatized: From 9-11 to Trump and Beyond – An American Muslim Journey.

• Dr. Ezequiel Menendez, director of Music for the archdiocese of Hartford, is also the Chapel organist for Ethel Walker School. He co-founded Concerts for Charity and raised money to rebuild Sri Lanka and has assisted charities in Hartford.

• Dr. Priyamvada Natarajan is a theoretical astrophysicist at Yale. An enthusiastic advocate for science, she speaks in high schools, on the radio and TV on the importance of scientific literacy.

• Emanuela Palmares, editor and Partner of Tribuna Newspaper and chair and founder of the committee to plan Connecticut's first International Children's Museum.

• Carla Squatrito, founder of Carla's Pasta, employing over 300 people from 21 different countries. She is a proud member of the National Women in Business Owners Corporation.

• Sorin Todeasa, a senior Software Engineer in financial technologies, has been a pillar of the Romanian community.

• Ada Ustjanauskas, the only child of Jacob Gens, was born in 1926 in Lithuania. Growing up in a mixed Roman Catholic and Jewish family she and her mother lived in a house right outside the Vilna ghetto while her father became the Jewish head of the ghetto police. She speaks publicly as a witness to the Holocaust and World War II. She and her family own Cosmos International in West Hartford.

• Dr . Meera Viswanathan, head of the Ethel Walker School, has written extensively on transformative education.

• Abby Weiner (being honored posthumously) was devoted to sharing his Holocaust story to many schools throughout the state. He received an Honorary High School Diploma from Avon High School, which showed their love and devotion to him.

CLICK FOR CT-N VIDEO OF STATE CAPITOL CEREMONY, APRIL 17, 2019

In addition, Sue Ingall received the Myra M. Oliver Memorial Award, posthumously. The award is given to those who work above and beyond the call of duty to help refugees and immigrants, in memory of Myra M. Oliver's lifetime of leadership and service.  Ingall, who died in January, made immeasurable contributions to the work of the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants. She brought "her passion for social justice, her activism, and her remarkable combination of imagination and execution" and led the way in the resettling of immigrants to Connecticut.

The Angela R. Andersen Memorial Award, created to honor students who demonstrate deep commitment to issues impacting refugees and immigrants, is named after an individual known for her dedication and passion for helping refugees and immigrants in Connecticut.  The 2019 recipient is high school student Sophia Jacobs and the Weston High School Youth Group, for their creation and implementation of a Refugee Youth One-on-One Mentoring Program. The group was conceived by Jacobs, now a high school senior, and meets weekly, providing homework help and getting the students in grades 1-5 on their feet moving! The partnership fills a great need for refugee youth who can feel socially isolated, especially in the afterschool hours while parents are at work.

The Salma Khatoon Farid Award was presented for the first time to an educator of longstanding who has made a significant contribution to understanding and awareness. The inaugural recipient was Nancy Caddigan, currently serving as the Adult Education Transition Specialist in The American Place department at Hartford Public Library. In this role, Ms. Caddigan is responsible for outreaching to and assisting teen, young adult and adult immigrant/refugee students enrolled in TAP's educational programs to successfully transition into post-secondary education, vocational training or the workforce. The award is named for Salma Khatoon Farid, born in India, who immigrated to the United States in 1981.  She raised her family in Connecticut and played a fundamental role in nurturing a sense of generosity to the community while supporting the business aspirations of her children, including Tariq Farid, the founder of Edible Arrangements.

Award recipient Nancy Caddigan with Tariq & Asma Farid and State Sen. Saud Anwar

The National Anthem was led by Laurentiu Rotaru, a well-known opera singer from Romania now residing in Connecticut. The Governor's Foot Guard presenting the colors.

Coalition Members, Board Members

Member organizations in the Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition include: Asian Pacific American Coalition of CT, Connecticut Commission on Equity and Opportunity, Milan Cultural India Association, Polish American Foundation of CT, The American Place at the Hartford Public Library, Catholic Charities Migration Services, Connecticut Coalition of Mutual Assistance, Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, Goodwin College, Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut, Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford, Legal Assistance Resource Center, Center for Urban Research, Education and Training, Pakistani American Association of CT, Hellenic Society of Paideia, UConn Health Center and World Affairs Council of Connecticut.

CIRC Board members include: Andre Blaszczynski (Chair), Ilana Bernstein (Secretary), Dana Bucin, Claudia Connor, Christopher George, Demetrios Giannaros (Vice Chair/Treasurer), Mui Mui Hin-McCormick, Alan Lazowski, Werner Oyanadel, Richard Shechtman, Zaheer Sharaf, Suresh Sharma and Ban Tran.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 22nd ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY;

DEADLINE IS MARCH 15, 2019

CIRC is seeking nominations for the 22nd annual CT Immigrant Day. Ideal candidates are those that have made a significant impact on their community and in their fields. Nominees will be able to demonstrate overcoming obstacles to becoming pillars of their community.

Immigrant Day is an annual event sponsored by the Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition honoring local and statewide immigrants who have contributed to their communities and professions. Selected nominees will be honored at a ceremony held at the Old Judiciary Room at the State Capitol in Hartford.

Applications are available on this website, or by contacting Robert Fishman, CIRC Executive Director, at RFishman325@gmail.com,or by phone at (860) 916-5869.  Completed nomination forms may be emailed or mailed to Robert Fishman, 40 Woodland St., Hartford, CT 06105.

Submission deadline is March 15.

Issued on October 16, 2018

Communication and job development skills for immigrants and refugees; 7-week course to be offered starting oct. 27

Designed to help immigrants and refugees - unemployed and underemployed - better acclimate to American business and culture, the workshop will enable participants to:

• Build confidence in communication.

• Learn business English.

• Understand workplace ethics.

• How to prepare for job interview

Start date is Oct. 27, 2018, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Classes will be every Saturday morning and one weekday evening each week for 7 weeks. Classes held at Goodwin College, 1 Riverside Drive, East Hartford. Fee is $45; scholarships are available. Limited seating. Please sign up by October 22, 2018. Contact Jessica Howard at 860.965.6183 or jessica@dcaci.com

Issued on April 3, 2018

15 Recent Immigrants to Take Oath of Allegiance As Americans in Special Court Session at State Capitol

Connecticut Immigrant Day Awards to be Presented to Distinguished Immigrants for Achievements in CT

Fifteen recent immigrants residing in Connecticut will take the oath of allegiance as American citizens on Wednesday, April 4 during a special court session to be held at the Connecticut State Capitol's Old Judiciary Room at 2 p.m., followed by awards to be presented to leading state residents who immigrated to the United States and have made significant contributions to life in Connecticut.

United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Connecticut Donna F. Martinez will convene the court into session for the purposes of administering the oath. The new citizens will recite the Pledge of Allegiance and be presented with official certificates.

"Immigrants have always been – and continue to be – an abundant and enduring strength of our great nation," said Robert Fishman, Executive Director of the Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition (CIRC), which is sponsoring the Connecticut Immigrant Day observance with the Office of Secretary of the State. "Connecticut is fortunate to have many remarkable individuals who have contributed tremendously to our state, and as we honor them we are also inspired by the newest group of proud and determined immigrants to take the oath of allegiance as Americans."

Following remarks by Judge Martinez and Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, CIRC will present its annual Connecticut Immigrant Day awards.  Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman will also share brief remarks.  The mission of CIRC, a coalition of about a dozen organizations across Connecticut, is to promote the rights and opportunities of immigrants and refugees in Connecticut and to foster their civic participation.

Immigrants Honored for Contributions to Connecticut

CIRC award recipients at this year's 21st annual ceremony are residents of Avon, Trumbull, West Hartford, Farmington, Norwich, Monroe and East Hartford. They are:

• Ruth Lazowski, born in Belarus, is a Holocaust survivor who speaks with school groups.

• Cary Lakenbach, born in Italy, is the current Board Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and an actuary.

• Bassam Gayed, born in Egypt, is Multicultural Services Coordinator at the Otis Library in Norwich.

• Irena Rak Dzierzbinski, born in Belgium, teaches French and Spanish in middle school in Darien and is active in Girl Scouts. She hosts a Polish-English radio program at Fairfield University.

• Naeem Khalid, born in Pakistan, started Sam's Food stores and employs 1,000 in his businesses. He formed a charity, Sam's Children, to assist needy children in Connecticut and is active with the Pakistan American Association of Connecticut.

• Bruce Tsan-Tang Liang , born in Taiwan, is the Dean of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

• Vani Nidadavolu, born in India, operates an Indian Dance School and works part-time for Edward A. Jones. She holds an MA in Commerce and is a Philanthropist.

• Trinh K. Duong, born in Vietnam, came to Connecticut as a refugee and now works with new refugees and immigrants, helping them to resettle. She received her degree in Accounting from UConn.

In addition,Alicia Kinsman, Director and Managing Attorney of Immigration Legal Services at the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants will be receiving the Myra M. Oliver Memorial Award.The award is given to those who work above and beyond the call of duty to help refugees and immigrants, in memory of Myra M. Oliver's lifetime of leadership and service.

Student Groups from Hartford, New London to be Honored

Two student groups will also be recognized as recipients of the Angela R. Andersen Memorial Award, created to honor students who demonstrate deep commitment to issues impacting refugees and immigrants.  It is named after an individual known for her dedication and passion for helping refugees and immigrants in Connecticut.

Sixth-graders from the Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication in New London will be recognized for their project, "Community Faces-Humanizing the Immigrant Label."  The second group is Teens4Citizenship, a Hartford Public Library and Hartford Public Schools collaborative program. As "Citizenship Guides," these high school immigrant students support family and community members on the path to Citizenship and upon turning 18 pursue their own citizenship.

Opening remarks at the ceremony will be offered by Chris George, Executive Director of the Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), and CIRC Board member. The National Anthem will be led by Chris Nelson, a native of Ghana and current Goodwin College student. The Governor's Foot Guard will be presenting the colors.

• To view CT-N video of the Immigrant Day ceremonies, click here .

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Source: https://www.coalitionct.org/news-old

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