Connecticut State Immigration Laws

Immigration laws are primarily enforced by federal agencies. But states have their own rules that affect the daily life of immigrants and the services they can access. These rules and regulations vary by state.

This article explains some of the fundamental rights and protections available to immigrants in Connecticut. Find information on:

• Law enforcement and immigration in Connecticut
• Connecticut employment check and E-Verify requirements
• Driver’s license/ID requirements
• Public benefit restrictions
• Educational benefits
• Housing ordinance and immigration
• Related resources
• How an immigration attorney can help

Immigration rules vary by state and situation and are constantly evolving. A local immigration attorney can provide up-to-date information and help you understand available protections.

Law Enforcement and Immigration in Connecticut

The U.S. government works through a series of federal agencies that enforce immigration laws in the country. Some of the main government entities that handle immigration law are:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

While the federal government and federal courts primarily administer immigration laws, state authorities also play a vital role in law enforcement. The Criminal Apprehension Program (CAP) highlighted this collaboration between state and federal governments.

CAP helps federal authorities identify, arrest, and remove non-U.S. citizens. Particularly those who pose threats to communities. The program focuses on immigrants who have committed violent crimes or are at large.

A comparable effort was in operation in 2017, called the “Secure Communities” initiative. Like CAP, Secure Communities promoted collaboration between federal and state authorities. The DHS shared information about arrested people with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through this action. This information-sharing mechanism enabled them to determine whether to remove or deport the person from the country.

President Joe Biden revoked Secure Communities in January 2021. There are still various programs in place that carry on similar objectives.

Connecticut Employment and E-Verify Requirements

 E-Verify is an online system administered by the federal government that allows employers to verify employees’ employment eligibility. While some states mandate its use, in Connecticut, E-Verify is voluntary for employers, meaning they can choose to use it when hiring employees.

Note that in 2009, the Connecticut General Assembly proposed Bill No. 221. It sought to require all employers with three or more employees to verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees through E-Verify.

Due to the changing laws, it is best to stay updated. If in doubt, seek legal advice from an immigration attorney.

Driver’s License and ID Requirements

Immigrants living illegally in Connecticut can get driver’s licenses. This was made possible by Public Act (P.A.) 2013-89, enacted on June 6, 2013. The act allowed immigrants living in Connecticut illegally to receive “Drive-Only Licenses.” But they must meet certain requirements before its issuance. The requirements include:

• Proof of identity (such as passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of residency in the state (such as utility bills)
• Affidavit stating an intention to legalize the stay in the U.S. as soon as eligible

Also, New Haven started the identification resident card program in 2007. The program allows New Haven residents to get local government-issued IDs. It covers immigrants living in New Haven illegally.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in Connecticut can also get state IDs and driver’s licenses.

Public Benefits Restrictions

Immigrants living in Connecticut illegally can’t access most public benefits. But they can access help that is necessary for health care and safety, which includes the following:

• Child Care Development Fund
• Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Emergency Medicaid
• Emergency shelter
• Disaster relief

The public benefits a person can use vary depending on their immigration status. You can see more information detailing these benefits in this chart from American University.

Educational Benefits for Immigrants

House Bill (H.B.) 6844 passed in 2015. This Bill allowed students without documentation in Connecticut to access in-state tuition to public universities and colleges in the state. DACA recipients can get these benefits. But students without documentation and DACA recipients must meet certain requirements to qualify for in-state tuition. These requirements include:

1. Residency in Connecticut
2. Completed at least two years of high school or equivalent in Connecticut
3. Enrolled or registered at a public institution of higher education in the state of Connecticut.
4. Filed an affidavit with the institution stating that the undocumented student applied to legalize their status. Or, they will apply as soon as they are eligible.

Meanwhile, refugees are eligible for in-state tuition after meeting the domicile or residency rule. This is in Substitute House Bill No. 6390 and Section 10a-29 of the Connecticut State Statute.

A refugee establishes residency in Connecticut after six months of employment. Or after one year, if the refugee is a dependent of a person employed in Connecticut.

Housing Ordinances and Immigration

Connecticut fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on religion, national origin, and ancestry. Being deprived of fair housing based on a person’s immigration status is illegal.

Immigration in Connecticut: Related Resources

Various nonprofit organizations in Connecticut offer help and legal resources to immigrants and noncitizens:

• Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) gives economic, linguistic, legal, and social services to refugees and immigrants in Connecticut. It also helps victims of human trafficking, torture, and unaccompanied minors in Connecticut.
• Connecticut Legal Services helps low-income people facing homelessness and lack of health care, and those who are victims of domestic violence.
• Greater Hartford Legal Aid provides free legal services. They give aid, in particular, to low-income residents of the greater Hartford area. It helps migrants with naturalization, change of legal status, and more.
• Center for Children’s Advocacy is a nonprofit law firm offering legal representation and advocacy for at-risk youth and children in Connecticut. Its services are available statewide. Eligible recipients include immigrants and survivors of human trafficking.
• FindLaw Immigration Law Resources is an informational hub with free access to articles about immigration law. Here, you can learn about the immigration process and the basics of immigration rights and immigration enforcement.

This list is not exclusive. These organizations can also refer to service providers or government entities. For more information about legal resources and organizations in Connecticut, visit Immigration Advocates Network.

Get Legal Advice From an Immigration Attorney

Navigating both federal and state immigration laws can be overwhelming. Every immigration case is unique, and state laws may affect how certain immigration rules are applied. This is why legal advice from an immigration lawyer can be a critical support.

This is particularly true for those at risk of deportation or removal. A lawyer can help you understand the court’s directives and offer legal representation. Some of the immigration legal services they provide include:

• Processing of naturalization or U.S. citizenship
• U.S. visa processing
• Application for a lawful permanent resident or green card
• Petitioning family members
• Legal representation in immigration court

Do not be afraid to talk to an immigration lawyer—attorney-client privilege prohibits them from sharing information about your immigration status. Their role is to help you, not act as an enforcement agent.

FindLaw’s directory of immigration lawyers can get you started. Because state immigration laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in Connecticut. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals near you. Whether you are in Stamford or Bridgeport, there are immigration attorneys to help.