WASHINGTON — A deal that ended the brief government shutdown included a promise to hasten a debate in Congress over immigration, but good intentions have run into political realities that are putting the fate of thousands of young, undocumented immigrants in Connecticut in doubt.
Dreamers
Posted inJustice, Money, Politics
Most CT lawmakers opposed bill that reopened government
WASHINGTON — Saying the deal was not good for Connecticut, most Connecticut lawmakers on Monday voted against a short-term spending bill that will reopen the government. The Connecticut Democrats who opposed the CR said it failed to fund programs important to the state and to protect young undocumented immigrants known as “dreamers.” But it did authorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as HUSKY B in Connecticut, for six years.
Posted inHealth, Justice, Money, News, Politics
Budget impasse hurts CT defense industry, young immigrants, others
WASHINGTON — Whether, and how, Congress comes to an agreement on a massive spending bill to fund the federal government will impact Connecticut in several ways. The health of the state’s defense industry, as well as that of thousands of Connecticut children, and the fate of immigrant youth and the Affordable Care Act are at stake.
Posted inMoney
CT lawmakers vote against funding bill they say falls short
WASHINGTON — With the clock ticking toward a government shutdown, the U.S. House and Senate on Thursday approved a short-term spending bill that may give temporary relief to thousands of Connecticut families who have been notified that health coverage for their children will soon end. But Connecticut’s lawmakers voted against the bill because it fails to provide relief from deportation for immigrant youth or long-term funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program or community health center grants.
Posted inMoney
Immigrant youth press CT senators to become ‘dream heroes’
WASHINGTON — Undocumented youth in Connecticut are asking the state’s U.S. senators to reject any federal budget bill that does not contain protections for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – or DACA program recipients. Both Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy support permanent protection for these youth, but they have not promised to reject a budget bill that would not provide that help.
Posted inJustice, Politics
Some ‘dreamers’ missing deadline to renew protection from deportation
WASHINGTON — Not all young, undocumented immigrants who were given protection from deportation by an Obama-era policy are going to meet an Oct. 5 deadline set by President Donald Trump for renewing their permission to live and work in the United States for another two years. The $495 filing fee may have been an obstacle for many.
Posted inJustice
As Trump ponders ‘dreamers’ future, Congress set to act
As thousands of Connecticut immigrant youths wait for President Donald Trump to decide whether to end their protections from deportation, Congress may be coming to their aid.
Posted inPolitics
Immigrant youth face new threat of deportation
WASHINGTON — Nearly 10,000 immigrant youth in Connecticut who were given provisional legal status under an Obama-era policy now fear an end to the program that shielded them from deportation.
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Posted inPolitics
Immigrant advocates say CT didn’t act to help undocumented at ‘crucial’ time
WASHINGTON — With a federal crackdown on the undocumented underway, Connecticut’s immigrant advocates who were hoping for help from Democratic state lawmakers are bitterly disappointed legislators failed to provide any new protections.
Posted inEducation
College aid for undocumented students ends without a vote
A years-long campaign to allow undocumented students to receive financial aid at Connecticut’s public colleges almost certainly will not achieve its goal this year, and its future chances are in doubt.
Posted inEducation, Politics
Activist’s arrest sets back college aid for undocumented students
One activist’s arrest has offset months of lobbying for a bill that would have allowed undocumented students to receive financial aid at Connecticut’s public colleges.
Posted inPolitics
As Trump moves on immigration, ‘Dreamers’ hope they’re not the next target
WASHINGTON – As the Trump administration moves to crack down on undocumented immigrants, more than 8,500 youth in Connecticut, known as “Dreamers,” who were given temporary legal status, are hoping they won’t be next. “There’s a lot of fear in the community,” said Lucas Codognolla of Connecticut Students for a Dream.
Posted inPolitics
CT immigrants fear Trump-led backlash
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump’s policies on immigration are roiling the immigrant community in Connecticut, as they are across the nation. “Right now people don’t know what to expect,” said Carolina Bortolleto, an immigrant activist. “Everybody in the [immigrant] community feels things are dangerous and are scared.”
Posted inEducation
Nonprofit offers financial aid for undocumented students
The organization – TheDream.US – announced Tuesday that it plans to provide scholarships of up to $20,000 for students at schools in Connecticut and Delaware.
Posted inPolitics
Obama actions to help only some Connecticut immigrants stay
WASHINGTON – President Obama’s controversial move to stop the deportation of millions of immigrants will help thousands of undocumented people living and working in Connecticut, but bypasses thousands of others.