On February 9, 2025, Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) hosted its 18th annual Run for Refugees with the theme "Run with Refugees and All Immigrants." This annual event raises money for supporting legal refugees as they establish new lives in the United States. Despite a snowstorm the night before, the event witnessed an unprecedented turnout of over 3,000 participants, including prominent politicians and community leaders. This cherished event took place on Super Bowl Sunday at Wilbur Cross High School, where runners and walkers braved the cold to complete the scenic 5K route through East Rock.
Legal immigration has been a cornerstone of America’s economic, social, and cultural growth. Immigrants drive innovation, with research showing they contribute disproportionately to patents and technological advancements [1]. They also play a vital role in entrepreneurship—despite being 13% of the population, they account for nearly 30% of new business owners, generating billions in revenue [2]. Refugees, too, strengthen local economies through high rates of business ownership [3]. As a historic haven for those fleeing persecution, the U.S. thrives by embracing diverse talent. Beyond economic contributions, immigrants enrich American society by bringing diverse perspectives, cultural heritage, and global connections. Supporting legal immigration and refugee integration ensures sustained growth, global leadership, and a more inclusive, prosperous future for all.
This year’s Run for Refugees held special significance, not only because of its record-breaking turnout but also for the diverse community groups took part, including the Asian Network at Yale (ANY). The event’s success was particularly inspiring given the recent challenges IRIS faced. The overwhelming turnout demonstrated a powerful sense of resilience and unity. ANY members participated enthusiastically, coming together as a dedicated team to run and raise funds in support of IRIS’s mission. Their involvement reflected ANY’s commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and fostering inclusivity, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity that the event embodies.
For the ANY, this event marked the start of a deeper commitment to supporting local refugee initiatives. ANY aims to build on this momentum by collaborating with IRIS beyond the run, seeking opportunities to assist refugee families through mentorship, advocacy, and direct support. With the 18th annual Run for Refugees proving to be a massive success, IRIS and its partners, including ANY, look forward to further strengthening community ties and ensuring Connecticut remains a welcoming home for all.
Written by Sandeep Kumar Mishra, PhD, Associate Research Scientist, Yale University
Co-Chair, Community Engagement, ANY
References
[1] Kerr, WR., and Kerr, SP. (2020). "Immigration Policy Levers for Us Innovation and Startups." National Bureau of Economic Research. Working Paper 27040. www.nber.org/papers/w27040
[2] Anderson, S. (2021). “Immigrant Entrepreneurs and U.S. Billion-Dollar Companies.” National Foundation for American Policy.
[3] American Immigration Council Report. (2023). " Starting Anew: The Economic Impact of Refugees in America"