Immigrant concerns in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Immigrants and refugees discovered there is power in numbers in Springfield.

More than 150 immigrants and refugees filled Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church Wednesday night.

They came to make recommendations to the governor, to address their concerns and maybe come up with some solutions.

"On July 9th last year, Governor Patrick signed an executive order that calls for an immigration agenda that really positions Massachusetts as a welcoming state," said Eva Millona, GOV's Advisory Council on Immigration.

Among the issues being raised were racial profiling, and urging employers to hire more immigrants.

This was one of six hearings around the state to help the governor develop policy to better integrate refugees and immigrants into civic and economic life in Massachusetts.