Rep. Jim Himes Held Roundtable Discussion on Assisting Refugees

Rep. Jim Himes held a roundtable discussion Tuesday at The International Institute of Connecticut (IICONN) in Bridgeport to discuss strategies for improving the processing of refugees and assisting immigrants in the state of Connecticut, according to a press release.

The IICONN centers in Bridgeport, Stamford, Derby and Hartford track almost 7,000 people trying to integrate into American life, rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable self-reliance. LAst year IICONN processed 100 of the approximately 700 refugees who resettled in Connecticut.

“ In light of the humanitarian refugee crisis throughout the world and President Obama’s decision to resettle an additional 15,000 refugees in the U.S. next year, the number of refugees in resettled by IICONN is expected to grow to 115,” the center said in a release.

Rep. Jim Himes and Claudia Connor, IICONN President and CEO, spoke about immigration and the refugee crisis with a panel of experts and clients.

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About:

The International Institute of Connecticut, founded in 1918, is a statewide nonprofit human services agency that addresses the need to provide new immigrants and refugees in Connecticut with services to help them become self-sufficient, integrated and contributing members of the community. The organization focuses on helping those individuals who face significant barriers to adjusting to their new environment. IICONN offers legal, social, linguistic and educational programs to help them overcome these obstacles. The Institute also provides special services to victims of serious crimes such as human trafficking, torture, and domestic violence.

Rep. Himes represents the 4th District which includes the following towns: Bridgeport | Darien | Easton | Fairfield | Greenwich | Monroe | New Canaan | Norwalk | Oxford | Redding | Ridgefield | Shelton | Stamford | Trumbull | Weston | Westport | Wilton