Eastern Connecticut Experiencing Immigration Boom

January 1, 2006

Source: Norwich Bulletin

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060101/NEWS01/601010303/1002

On January 1, 2006 the Norwich Bulletin reported, "[Connecticut's] casino-fueled immigration surge, widely acknowledged in the city as the largest increase since at least World War II, isn't expected to slow in the coming year. Business expansion, including a $700 million addition at Foxwoods Resort Casino, and the timing of individuals from foreign countries becoming eligible to join their families here, promise to continue the several-year boom... The boom means continued demand for housing, a need for more interpreters in schools and businesses and growth in such places as immigrant-owned churches and stores... [Ned Perkins, interim executive director of the Literacy Volunteers of America in Southeastern Connecticut,] said the group is drawing a high number of Chinese, Russians and Haitians... The increase in the immigrant population has other, lesser know impacts, such as the likelihood of human trafficking, said John Weiss of the International Institute. Weiss said his organization received a three-year $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice last week to provide victim and legal services to individuals who have been held against their will either to work or for sex."