Connecticut Immigration Laws

The TRUST Act limits when state and local law enforcement can honor federal immigration detainers or cooperate with ICE. Cooperation is permitted only when an individual has been convicted of serious criminal offenses. The 2025 amendments expanded the list of qualifying offenses (including sexual assault and child endangerment), and allowed individuals to sue towns or cities if local police violate the law. Connecticut is identified as a "sanctuary jurisdiction" by federal authorities, though state officials dispute that characterization.

Since 2015, undocumented immigrants 16 and older may obtain a "Drive Only" license using alternative documentation (foreign passport, consular ID). The license is valid only for driving and cannot be used as federal identification or for voting. The program was created to improve road safety by ensuring all drivers are tested, licensed, and insured.

Undocumented students who attended at least 2 years of high school in Connecticut and graduated (or received equivalent) qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. P.A. 18-2 extended eligibility for institutional need-based financial aid to undocumented students, including DACA recipients.

Connecticut has progressively expanded HUSKY Health (state Medicaid/CHIP) coverage to undocumented children: children up to age 8 (2021), up to age 12 (2022), and up to age 15 (2023). Coverage is state-funded since federal Medicaid does not cover undocumented residents.

E-Verify is mandatory only for government contractors and subcontractors working on state contracts and public works projects over $5,000. Private employers are not required to use E-Verify for their general workforce but may do so voluntarily.