Utica, NY (WIBX) - Utica Mayor David R. Roefaro is testifying in Congress next week. The mayor, who was invited by Senator Chuck Schumer, will be part of a panel of Mayors speaking about the benefits of immigration to their cities.

Roefaro said Utica has a very strong Refugee population. "Let's face it, we speak 47 different languages in our school district." The mayor goes onto say that the benefits of immigration in our area has been positive. "They've come in and have become productive citizens, renewing blocks at a time, and becoming tax paying citizens and homeowners, and adding to the work force of the area--we gain a lot of benefits."

Roefaro will be testifying on Tuesday, July 27,  before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security at a hearing titled, Immigration and the Economy. Roefaro will be the first Mayor from Oneida County to ever testify in Congress.

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