[Excerpt] A positive influx of immigrants fed the rapid growth, even as the city lost native-born residents. By the latest tally, 17 percent of New Haven’s 130,000 residents are immigrants. Their origins, ages, skills, citizenship statuses, and personal stories are different, but their overall impact is clear: “The surge of immigration in recent years shows us yet again how important [immigrants are] to the growth and success of our community,” according to William W. Ginsberg, President & CEO of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.