Connecticut Will Protect Muslim Refugees, Gov. Dannel Malloy Says Governor says he will oppose any move by Trump administration to bar Muslim refugees from settling in his stateBy Joseph De Avila
http://www.wsj.com/articles/connecticut-will-protect-muslim-refugees-gov-dannel-malloy-says-1479851773
NEW HAVEN, Conn.—Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said Tuesday he would oppose any action by President-elect Donald Trump that would bar Muslim refugees from coming to his state.
Mr. Malloy has made accepting Syrian refugees a priority for his administration. Some 339 Syrian refugees have settled in Connecticut in 2016, according to the U.S. State Department.
“I would fight any attempt to limit refugees being given status based on religion,” Mr. Malloy, a Democrat, said. “I’m hopeful that the rhetoric from the campaign will give way to a sensible approach to honoring our long-term international commitments.”
The Trump transition team didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Mr. Malloy made his comments at an event at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven where Syrian families also spoke. One Syrian refugee, who lives in New Haven with his pregnant wife and six children, said he is grateful for the chance to build a home in the U.S. He and his family arrived in Connecticut three months ago and he is now taking English classes.
The refugee said he is familiar with Mr. Trump’s statements and but so far isn’t too concerned for his family. “I feel comfortable,” he said. “People didn’t change their behavior toward us” after the election.
Karen Foster, assistant refugee resettlement coordinator for Danbury Area Refugee Assistance, a nonprofit organization, recently began helping Syrian families in Connecticut.
“We have spoken to them about the election…to let them know that they are safe,” Ms. Foster said. “They can’t be sent back. They are legal here. They are legal residents and they are authorized to work.”
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