Connecticut State Senator says rising anti-immigrant rhetoric makes it more important than ever to recognise immigrants as an integral part of the American story.
By Bhavana P
Special Correspondent
For Connecticut State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, the immigrant experience is not separate from the American identity — it is a fundamental part of it. In an exclusive interview with New India Abroad, the Democrat said her election as the first Indian state senator in Connecticut has brought greater visibility to the state’s Indian American community, while also reinforcing her belief that immigrants have always been essential to the nation’s progress.
“I always tell my story as not only an immigrant story, but as an American story, because that is the American story. This is a country that was built upon immigrants,” she said.
Born on July 4 in Queens to immigrant parents from India, Gadkar-Wilcox said her family’s journey shaped her commitment to education and public service. Her father, who grew up in a small village in India, was able to pursue a better life in the United States through education and support.
“That experience taught me that opportunity and access can change generations,” she said.
When she first ran for office, many voters were unfamiliar with her name and background. “People would look at my walk card and say, ‘How do you even say this? Where are you from?’” she recalled. Over time, she said, that unfamiliarity became an advantage.
“Now they know it. The unfamiliar, when it becomes familiar, becomes very powerful.”
Today, she said, young women often approach her to say that seeing her in public office has given them the confidence to pursue their own ambitions.
“It’s so important because it’s a representation of what the United States has always looked like,” she added.
She also noted that questions about her citizenship because of her name have made it even more important for her to speak about her identity.
“What does it mean to presume what someone’s status is by their name? That’s a very dangerous rhetoric, especially around immigrants,” she said.
Strengthening Connecticut–India Ties
Gadkar-Wilcox, who helped establish the Connecticut India Trade Commission, believes the initiative can boost investment and collaboration between Connecticut and India.
“India is a strong and rising global economy, and Connecticut has a strong state economy,” she said, highlighting opportunities in aerospace, engineering, technology, green energy, manufacturing, education, law and the arts.
She also emphasised the value of cultural and educational exchanges, noting that declining international student numbers pose a challenge.
“I hope the trade commission will help create more pipeline programs and opportunities for students and professionals,” she said.
Education and Affordability Remain Key Priorities
A strong advocate for public education, Gadkar-Wilcox said ensuring high-quality education for every student in Connecticut remains a major priority.
“We see huge disparities right now, and the foundation grant needs to be updated to account for inflation,” she said.
She also supports tax relief, credits and health care subsidies aimed at improving affordability, while noting that reductions in federal funding have made the state’s responsibilities more difficult.
Immigration, Federal Overreach and State Action
Gadkar-Wilcox said immigration enforcement and federal intervention remain major concerns for Connecticut.
“ICE isn’t new, but the tactics they’re using now are alarming — often in violation of due process rights,” she said.
She praised the state’s efforts to limit ICE arrests in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals and houses of worship, and criticised federal actions that cut previously allocated funding.
“When the federal government tries to override state policy, that’s a problem,” she said.
On broader immigration reform, she said she supports meaningful changes but opposes rhetoric that portrays immigrants as the problem.
“There needs to be a real conversation about reforming the system — not just about why immigrants are a problem,” she said.
A Grassroots Approach to Politics
Gadkar-Wilcox said her political philosophy is rooted in direct community engagement.
“My vision is about meeting people where they are,” she said.
She draws inspiration from John Dewey and B.R. Ambedkar, whose ideas emphasise public participation and constitutional understanding.
She has also been hosting public talks on the U.S. Constitution across Connecticut, with the goal of making the discussions nonpartisan and accessible.
“Not everything is a political dispute. Some things are actually constitutional violations,” she said.
A Story of Opportunity, Service and Belonging
From a young girl born in Queens to the daughter of immigrant parents, to the first Indian state senator in Connecticut, Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox’s journey is a testament to the American promise.
Her story reflects resilience, education and a commitment to public service — while serving as a powerful reminder that immigrants are not merely part of America’s past, but its present and future.
“This is not just my story,” she said. “It’s a reminder that the American story is stronger because of immigrants.”
At a Glance
- First Indian state senator in Connecticut
- Born on July 4 in Queens to immigrant parents from India
- Professor of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University
- Helped establish the Connecticut India Trade Commission
- Focuses on education, affordability, immigration reform and stronger U.S.–India ties
