CT Immigrant & Refugee Coalition - CIRC

07/05/2026

As an immigrant, veteran, and public servant, America at 250 leaves me with both gratitude and concern. 🇺🇸 A message from Werner Oyanadel, CIRC Chairman

07/03/2026

06/30/2026

My Reflection on Today’s Historic Supreme Court Decision 🇺🇸

06/30/2026

“Today is a day of gratitude and hope. As an immigrant, I am overjoyed by the Supreme Court’s decision reaffirming birthright citizenship. It means more to me than words can express and reminds me of the enduring strength of our Constitution and the promise it represents for generations to come.” - Werner Oyanadel, CIRC Chairman

06/26/2026

🚨 URGENT TPS ALERT FOR HAITIAN & SYRIAN NATIONALS 🚨

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government may move forward with terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Haiti and Syria, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to end these protections while legal challenges continue.

Effective dates of TPS termination:
🇭🇹 Haiti: August 3, 2025
🇸🇾 Syria: September 30, 2025

If you have TPS from Haiti or Syria, do not wait.

Once your TPS ends, you could lose:
• Protection from removal (deportation)
• Employment authorization
• Your lawful TPS-based status in the United States

The time to act is NOW—before the government initiates removal (deportation) proceedings.

An experienced immigration attorney may be able to determine whether you qualify for another form of immigration relief, such as asylum, adjustment of status through a qualifying family member or employer, U visas, T visas, VAWA protection, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (where applicable), or other forms of relief. Every case is different, and waiting until your TPS expires may significantly limit your options.

Do not wait until ICE contacts you or removal proceedings begin. Seeking legal advice before your TPS termination becomes effective gives you the best opportunity to pursue every available legal avenue and reduce the risk of removal.

Time is critical. Protect your future by consulting an immigration attorney as soon as possible.

05/22/2026

Behind every movement is also the work of building support, partnerships, and resources to keep the mission moving forward. Grateful to the J. Walton Bissell Foundation and to my good friend Bob Fishman for helping make this possible for CIRC.

05/22/2026

Congratulations to my friends at the National Immigrant Heritage Center on today’s launch of the Immigrant Heritage Scholarship Program. Wishing you much success as you help create opportunities for the next generation. Source: Werner Oyanadel

05/02/2026

Working lunch with CIRC Board Member Ray DaRosa. Coffee and pastry, really—but a great conversation about the work ahead.