- Driver’s License:
Currently, undocumented immigrants are unable to obtain a driver’s license in this state. No bill is currently being debated regarding this matter. Please visit the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information on how to obtain a driver’s license.
- In-state Tuition:
H.B. No. 5264 – “An Act Providing In-State Tuition to Children of Immigrantsâ€
Introduced by Rep. Felipe Reinoso, 130th District
The above bill is currently pending. It would allow undocumented immigrants residing in Connecticut and who meet certain criteria, to pay tuition and fees at public higher educational institutions that are no greater than the tuition and fees paid by Connecticut residents.
A similar bill introduced in 2007 (H.B. 5656) was vetoed by Republican Governor Jodi Rell.
- Education:
Immigrant-Friendly Colleges: University of Connecticut and Connecticut State Universities (CSUs) do not consider a student’s immigration status as part of the admission process. However, students are required to pay out-of-state tuition and do not receive financial aid. Source
Scholarships: Undocumented students are able to apply for private scholarships. See here for a list of scholarships that do not require proof of citizenship, legal residency, or a social security number.. Please contact your local organizations for more information.
The Roothbert Fund, Inc Scholarship does not ask for proof of citizenship.
- Senators:
Dodd, Christopher J.– D
Position on Immigration: In favor of CIR
“On immigration, Dodd said it was important for Congress to act on the issue quickly before it could be distorted by electoral posturing. He called for increased penalties for employers of illegal immigrants, strengthening the Southern border in partnership with the Mexican government and provisions to allow those in the United States illegally to become legal residents.†Source
Position on the DREAM Act: Current co-sponsor.
In a letter to defer a student’s deportation:
“The DREAM Act was intended specifically for children and youth in this situation, and I am committed to helping her keep the stability she has worked so hard to achieve.†Source
Lieberman, Joseph I.– I
Position on Immigration: In favor of CIR
“Senator Lieberman, co-chair of the Senate Hispanic Task Force, supports comprehensive immigration reform. He wants to bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows by offering them a path to legal residency and citizenship.†Source
Position on the DREAM Act: Current Cosponsor
“Senator Lieberman has co-sponsored legislation to achieve comprehensive immigration reform (the McCain-Kennedy legislation), to make it easier for young immigrants who graduate high school to attend college (the DREAM Act)†Source
- U.S. Representatives:
Rep. John Larson (D-1) Fax: 202-225-1031
Rep. Joe Courtney (D-2) Fax: 202-225-4977
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3) Fax: 202-225-4890
Rep. Jim Himes (D-4) Fax: 202-225-9629
Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5) Fax: 202-225-4488
Position on Immigration:
“I do support a pathway to citizenship with a very high bar for some people that have been here; allow them to get in line and apply to stay. And it is only with that compromise that we’re going to be able to pass an immigration reform bill.†Source (At 2:42)
- Relevant Immigration Studies for the State:
Connecticut Voices for Children Study on Immigration in Connecticut
- Immigration Organizations:
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