Immigration Resources
The list of resources below is to help you [xyz insert Jennifer Avenia blurb].
Questions? Contact:
Jennifer Avenia, JD, LCSW
Director of Immigration Practice
Department of Children and Families
250 Hamilton Street | Hartford, CT | 06106
Work Cell: 860-505-5751
jennifer.avenia@ct.gov
Table of contents:
- Immigration Law Information
- Connecticut Family Preparedness Plan
- Education
- Healthcare
- Legal and Advocacy
Immigration Law Information
Know your Rights: Immigrants' Rights
Connecticut Family Preparedness Plan
The State of Connecticut and Office of the Governor Ned Lamont have added the Connecticut Family Preparedness Plan page to the state’s website to assist families who have concerns about immigration enforcement, particularly in regards to the possibility of the deportation or detainment of guardians and the impact that it could have on their children. If families are worried about what will happen to their children if they are detained or deported, families can make a family preparedness plan. The Connecticut Governor's Office has developed a useful toolkit that people can utilize. There is no cost to utilize any of the documents contained in the toolkit, and neither attorneys nor court action are needed. The toolkit is available in multiple languages.
Standby Guardianship (English)
Standby Guardianship (Spanish)
Education
Connecticut Department of Education: Guidance to K-12 Public Schools Pertaining to Immigration Activities
United We Dream Toolkit for Educators: #HereToStay Toolkit K-12 & Higher Education Educators & Schools
National Education Association-Ed Justice: Supporting Immigrant Families and Students” resources page
Healthcare
Access Health CT Healthcare Coverage for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) Recipients
Since November 1, 2024, DACA recipients have been able to get health insurance coverage through state-based marketplaces. DACA recipients living in Connecticut under the law can apply for health and/or dental insurance plans offered through Access Health CT. DACA recipients are not eligible to enroll in regular HUSKY Health programs. Those include Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). DACA recipients can enroll online, over the phone or in person. Visit AccessHealthCT.com for additional information.
- Enroll online at AccessHealthCT.com or by phone at 1-855-805-4325.
- Enrollment help is available over the phone in more than 100 languages.
- If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact us at 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator.
- Find in-person enrollment events at AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help.”
Refugee Assistance Program through the Department of Social Services
The Office of Community Services of the Department of Social Services (DSS) is responsible for disbursing federal funds related to the resettlement of refugees in Connecticut. Refugees are assigned by the U.S. State Department to local affiliates of national voluntary resettlement agencies in Connecticut. DSS disburses federal refugee assistance program funds, administers refugee cash and medical assistance programs and monitors resettlement activity for individuals who qualify as refugees under international law. A refugee can request to become a legal permanent resident after one-year residence in the U.S. and can apply for U.S. citizenship five years after their date of entry to the U.S. DSS regional offices administer the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) programs for refugees for up to twelve months from their date of entry to the U.S. DSS also provides refugees with temporary family assistance/cash assistance, medical coverage and food stamp assistance under those public assistance programs since refugees qualify as legal non-citizens.
Legal and Advocacy
Know Your Rights (Red Card)
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves. The cards are printable and available in multiple languages.
Connecticut Legal Services: from Immigration Law Help in CT
Offers a database of resources and links to services for helping low-incomes immigrants find legal help.