Welcoming new citizens, Gov. Patrick comments on assimilation program

(Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff)

Somalian immigrant Bugio Abbas was one of those who became an American citizen today.

By Maria Sacchetti, Globe Staff

Governor Deval Patrick offered a rousing welcome today to 365 newly sworn-in US citizens in Faneuil Hall -- and made his first public comments on a new statewide campaign to integrate immigrants into Massachusetts as quickly as possible.

Patrick told the crowd of flag-waving new Americans from Portugal, Ghana, Cambodia, and 79 other countries that they are critical to the state’s economy, and urged them to “dream big.” Yesterday, he signed an executive order calling on state officials, advocates and others to hold a series of public hearings over the next year to identify policy recommendations to hasten immigrants' integration.

“Every giant step forward we have ever taken in Massachusetts economically has been in a moment in time when we have shown a warm welcome to newcomers and an understanding about the importance of integrating your talents and your contributions into our society,” Patrick told the crowd assembled in the Great Hall. “You make our communities stronger and that’s why I’m here.”

Patrick said immigrants are crucial to the state’s economy – making up 14 percent of the population and 17 percent of the state’s workforce. He said immigrant business owners, scholars and superstars are permeating everything from the Red Sox to Symphony Hall, Dunkin' Donuts, and MIT.

After the ceremony, Patrick skirted questions from reporters about criticism that the New Americans executive order did not distinguish between illegal and legal immigrants. He said it was “aimed at immigration.”

The immigrants were assembled in the Great Hall and were sworn in by federal Judge Richard G. Stearns, who observed that they were gathered in a historic building that had harbored the first stirrings of the American Revolution.

Back then, Stearns observed, the architects of America’s freedom were mostly white and mostly men. He looked out on a crowd of men and women from all racial backgrounds, as he stood beside the state’s first African American governor.

Patrick urged the immigrants to carry on the state's pioneering spirit.

“You join a long legacy of dreamers,” Patrick said, “And I want you to know that here in Massachusetts we stand ready to help your dreams come true.”

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