CT PUERTO RICAN SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS COMMUNITY NEEDS, CALLS FOR CONTINUED DIALOGUE




Puerto Rican summit 2025 in Hartford. Photo, Boceto Media



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Hartford, CT.- 
Over 150 members of the Puerto Rican community gathered at the Connecticut State Capitol on Saturday, including educators, community leaders, and lawmakers, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Puerto Ricans in the state.



The event was organized by the University of Connecticut’s Puerto Rican Studies Initiative. Although initially designed to focus on Puerto Rican issues, discussions broadened to include concerns affecting all Latino and Hispanic communities in Connecticut.




The panels discussed several key issues, such as political participation, economic mobility, concerns related to immigration, and the growing demand for resources in housing, education, and healthcare. These topics are particularly relevant given the ongoing growth of the Hispanic population in Connecticut, which now represents a significant portion of the state's residents.


One of the main concerns highlighted was the difficulty that Latino families face in accessing and navigating state systems, especially in healthcare and housing. Participants also pointed out how fears related to immigration hinder community integration and political participation. Advocates called for greater representation and a more collaborative approach between Connecticut's Latino communities and state policymakers to effectively address these challenges.



Exploring the Future of Higher Education for Puerto Ricans

One of the key recommendations from attendees was increased investment in Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) at both the community college and university levels.


Participants emphasized the need to hire bilingual staff and faculty who reflect the demographics of the student body, which would help foster a stronger sense of belonging among Latino and Puerto Rican students.



Another major focus of the event was the development of partnerships between schools, colleges, and local governments to support Latino students. Advocates called for expanded mentorship programs, such as the “Gear Up” initiative, which engages middle school students to ensure long-term academic success for Latino youth.



“Having more bilingual educators is essential to bridging the gap between students and their institutions,” said Dr. Miguel Rivera, a panelist from Eastern Connecticut State University. “This is not just about language, it’s about cultural understanding. When students see faculty who share their background, it increases their engagement and improves their success rates.”


Political Engagement Among Puerto Ricans

The summit also highlighted the need for greater political engagement within Connecticut’s Latino communities. Speakers called for the creation of a media core to combat misinformation and increase outreach about elections and political participation.


Mark Kaplan, a community organizer, highlighted the challenges immigrants face, stating, 'The fear of deportation and other immigration-related issues often leave many in our communities feeling disconnected from the political process. We need strategies to address these fears and increase voter participation."

Speakers also emphasized the role of youth in shaping the future political landscape, advocating for increased civic education and engagement among younger generations.



Puerto Rican Summit Highlights Key Issues, But Ongoing Dialogue Is Essential



Despite the wide-ranging conversations, the summit did not fully address Puerto Rican-specific issues as thoroughly as expected, considering the large Puerto Rican population in Connecticut.

Topics like the challenges Puerto Ricans face after relocating from Puerto Rico, particularly post-Hurricane María, were underexplored. The unique mental health needs of displaced Puerto Ricans, who are still coping with the trauma of recent natural disasters, were also not discussed in depth.


Voter participation among Puerto Ricans in Connecticut was another important issue that received limited attention during the summit. The political status of Puerto Rico, particularly the ongoing debates over statehood or increased autonomy, is a significant concern for many in the community. The summit did not address participation rates or explore how these political movements are viewed by Puerto Ricans living in Connecticut, leaving a gap in the conversation about their political engagement and concerns.

Another study by UConn on voter registration among Puerto Ricans and Latinos in Connecticut reveals some interesting trends. However, the data does not distinguish between Puerto Ricans and the broader Latino community, leaving gaps in understanding their specific political views and behaviors.

The survey found that 79% of Puerto Rican and Latino respondents are registered to vote. Of those, 40% are registered with the Democratic Party, while another 40% are independent or unaffiliated.

Regarding trust in state lawmakers, 71% of respondents said they trust them to some degree. However, only 17% said they fully trust them, showing that many people are unsure about how effective their representatives are.

The survey also highlights a wide range of opinions, with 11% more people fully trusting their representatives than those who don't trust them at all.


Other important issues, such as the recognition of professional credentials for Puerto Ricans moving to Connecticut and the ongoing debate over Puerto Rico’s political status, including statehood and increased autonomy, were largely overlooked.


Another concern for Puerto Ricans is the growing influence of American corporations in the island's housing market, displacing locals and complicating the lives of Boricuas with remaining family ties on the island.



Similarly, the question of whether Puerto Ricans who moved to Connecticut after natural disasters in Puerto Rico are considering returning to the island was not raised, even though understanding these factors could provide valuable insight into the community’s future.


A recent study by the University of Connecticut found that while more Puerto Ricans have been moving back to the island since 2020, overall migration to the U.S. has been dropping since 2018. Connecticut, which has one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the country, saw a 104% decline in net migration during this time, meaning fewer Puerto Ricans are moving to the state from Puerto Rico compared to previous years.


Given the significant impact these issues have on Connecticut's Puerto Rican population, there is hope that future discussions will provide more focused attention to their specific needs.



"The summit provided a platform to amplify voices that often go unheard," said Representative Juan Hernandez, one of the event's participants. "The struggles faced by our communities, whether it's access to affordable housing, educational disparities, or the lack of political representation—are all too familiar. It’s time to not only talk about these issues but to act on them."



Closing the summit, state Senator Maria Vasquez emphasized the need for continued advocacy.


“This summit is just the beginning,” she said. “We have a long way to go, but if we continue to work together, we can make real change for Puerto Rican and Latino communities.”



Organizers are planning a follow-up summit in January 2026, intending to dive deeper into the unique challenges facing Puerto Rican residents in Connecticut.





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CT PUERTO RICAN SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS COMMUNITY NEEDS, CALLS FOR CONTINUED DIALOGUE CT PUERTO RICAN SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS COMMUNITY NEEDS, CALLS FOR CONTINUED DIALOGUE Reviewed by Maricarmen Cajahuaringa on January 13, 2025 Rating: 5