State of Connecticut

LEGISLATIVE BLACK AND LATINO CAUCUS

STATE CAPITOL
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1591









REPRESENTATIVE JUAN CANDELARIA
CHAIRMAN
OF THE BLACK AND LATINO CAUCUS

LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING
ROOM 1804
CAPITOL: (860) 240-8585
TOLL FREE: (800) 842-8267
FAX: (860) 240-0206
E-MAIL: Juan.Candelaria@cga.ct.gov


July 17, 2014


The Honorable Dannel P. Malloy
Governor of Connecticut
State Capitol
210 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106

Re: Federal Request to House Immigrant Children from Central America


Dear Governor Malloy,

I am writing to you as the Chairman of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and for the many
Latinos of the great state of Connecticut who have been touched by the recent crisis of the
thousands of immigrant children from Central America seeking refuge.
While the rhetoric of blame for the current situation of these innocent children rises, we ask you
to reconsider your refusal to provide assistance to the federal government in alleviating this
humanitarian emergency.
We understand your concerns with the Southbury Training School and do not pretend to
minimize them. However, we cannot keep our arms crossed while these detention centers
continue to overflow and these children suffer in the direst of conditions through no fault of their
own.
This is not the time to point fingers or wait for Congress to decide whether they will approve or
even consider the Presidents emergency supplemental request or a comprehensive immigration
reform. Governor, we ask that you work with our state agencies in finding an alternative to the
Southbury Training School option and accept the federal request to house a group of these
vulnerable children.
Lets not make them suffer for mistakes that others have made. They should not be treated as
criminals when they do not represent any threat to our public safety or public health.
Please let me know how the caucus can participate in the dialogue of finding safe placement for
these children during this critical time.
Many in our great state will appreciate your cooperation and response.

In solidarity,

Juan Candelaria
Chairman of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus
State Representative
95
th
District