What State-Level Rights And Privileges Do DACA Recipients Have in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, DACA recipients have the same rights and privileges as all other state residents. These include the right to safety and security, access to education and resources, access to healthcare, the protections of labor laws, the right to driver’s licenses and other state-issued documents, the right to open a bank account, and the ability to obtain professional licenses and certifications. Additionally, they are eligible for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities.Are DACA Recipients Eligible For In-State Tuition Rates At State Colleges And Universities in New Jersey?
Yes, DACA recipients are eligible for in-state tuition rates at New Jersey state colleges and universities.Can DACA Recipients Obtain A Driver’s License Or State Id In Their State Of Residence in New Jersey?
Yes, DACA recipients can obtain a driver’s license or state ID in New Jersey. Those who receive deferred action under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are eligible to apply for a driver’s license or state ID in New Jersey.Are There Any State-Funded Financial Aid Or Scholarship Programs Available To DACA Recipients For Higher Education in New Jersey?
Yes, there are state-funded financial aid and scholarship programs available to DACA recipients for higher education in New Jersey. The New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) Program provides need-based grant funding to eligible students who are enrolled in an approved postsecondary institution in New Jersey. Additionally, the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) provides educational support services and grant aid to students who are economically and educationally disadvantaged. The DREAMers Grant Program from the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) also provides grant assistance to eligible students with DACA status. Additionally, there are several private scholarships available to DACA recipients in New Jersey, including the NJ Dreamers Scholarship from the NJ Dreamers Scholarship Fund and the Let Us Dream Scholarship from the Latino Action Network.Do DACA Recipients Have Access To Emergency Healthcare Services In Their State Of Residence in New Jersey?
Yes, DACA recipients in New Jersey are eligible for emergency health care services, such as hospital emergency care, limited outpatient care, mental health and substance abuse services. However, it is important to note that DACA does not provide access to health insurance or any other form of financial assistance for these services.Are There Any State-Specific Employment Rights Or Protections For DACA Recipients in New Jersey?
Yes, there are state-specific employment rights and protections for DACA recipients in New Jersey. New Jersey law provides that it is unlawful for employers to discriminate based on an employee’s immigration status. This means employers cannot treat a DACA recipient differently than any other employee because of their immigration status. Furthermore, the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law prohibits wage discrimination based on an employee’s national origin, ethnicity or immigration status, guaranteeing every worker the right to be paid the same wage for the same work. Additionally, all employees are entitled to receive a paycheck free of deductions not authorized by law and employers must provide written notice of wage rates and any deductions for wages received. Finally, all employers must comply with the state’s minimum wage laws.Can DACA Recipients Access Public Transportation Services In Their State Of Residence in New Jersey?
Yes, DACA recipients in New Jersey are eligible to access public transportation services. They can buy tickets or passes for New Jersey Transit buses, trains and light rail services, as well as PATH, Access Link and other special services. Additionally, they can use NJ TRANSIT’s reduced fare programs that offer discounted fares to persons with disabilities or Medicare cardholders.Do State Laws Provide Any Protection Against Discrimination Or Harassment Of DACA Recipients in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey state law protects individuals from discrimination and harassment on the basis of their immigration status, including DACA recipients. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), which applies to employers, housing, and places of public accommodation, prohibits discrimination on the basis of “national origin,” which includes immigration status. Additionally, NJLAD prohibits employers from making any inquiry into an individual’s citizenship or immigration status unless required by federal or state law. The New Jersey Department of Labor also prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee for exercising their rights under the NJLAD.Can DACA Recipients Access Legal Representation Or Assistance For Immigration Matters At The State Level in New Jersey?
Yes. DACA recipients in New Jersey are eligible to access legal representation or assistance for immigration matters at the state level. There are many legal organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration services to DACA recipients and undocumented immigrants in New Jersey. These organizations can provide assistance with applying for DACA, renewals, green card applications, and other immigration matters.Are There Any State-Level Executive Orders Or Policies That Protect The Rights Of DACA Recipients in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy has issued an executive order (EO No. 86) to protect the rights of DACA recipients in the state. This executive order prohibits state agencies from asking about a person’s immigration status or discriminating against individuals on the basis of their immigration status. It also ensures that individuals with DACA are able to access state services, including higher education, health care, and public benefits, and encourages local law enforcement to refrain from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status unless necessary for a criminal investigation. Governor Murphy has also signed legislation that allows DACA recipients to pay in-state tuition at New Jersey colleges and universities.Can DACA Recipients Purchase Or Rent Property, Such As Homes Or Apartments, In Their State Of Residence in New Jersey?
Yes, DACA recipients can purchase or rent property, such as homes or apartments, in their state of residence in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission, DACA recipients are allowed to purchase and rent property under the same rules as other non-citizens. Furthermore, there is no federal law prohibiting DACA recipients from purchasing or renting property in the United States.Are There Restrictions On Travel Within The State Or To Other States For DACA Recipients in New Jersey?
Yes, there are restrictions on travel within New Jersey and to other states for DACA recipients in New Jersey. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not allow DACA recipients to travel outside of the country without USCIS permission. DACA recipients with Advance Parole must apply for permission to travel outside of the country at least 75 days in advance of their planned travel.In addition, DACA recipients must comply with all state laws and regulations regarding immigration status. For example, while DACA recipients may travel within the state of New Jersey, they may not travel to states that have banned people with DACA status from entering or working there.
DACA recipients must also be aware that any time spent outside of the US can also affect their eligibility for DACA status. For this reason, it is important for DACA recipients to check with USCIS before planning any international travel.
What Is The Process For Starting A Business Or Obtaining A Business License As A DACA Recipient In Their State Of Residence in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, DACA recipients may own and operate a business, but they must obtain a business license if they choose to do so. To start a business or obtain a business license, DACA recipients should follow these steps:1. Determine the type of business they would like to operate.
2. Choose the type of legal structure for the business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company.
3. Research the specific requirements and fees associated with the type of business in the county and municipality where the business will be located.
4. Register the business with the New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue.
5. Obtain any necessary local permits or licenses from the city or county where the business will be located. This may include a local business registration certificate, zoning permit, occupancy permit, health permit, or other local license.
6. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This is necessary to open a business bank account and for filing taxes.
7. Open a business bank account in order to accept payments from customers and clients.
8. Obtain any necessary insurance to protect your business from liability and other risks associated with operating a business.
9. If the business will sell goods, obtain a certificate of authority from the New Jersey Division of Taxation so that sales tax can be collected and paid to the state.
10. Consider registering trademarks and copyrights for any logos and slogans associated with your business. This is not required but can provide additional protection for your intellectual property rights.
Do State Laws Address The Eligibility Of DACA Recipients For Public Housing Or Rent Assistance Programs in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey has enacted policies to protect DACA recipients against discrimination in housing programs. Specifically, in 2019, New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs issued a directive that “prohibit[s] state agencies, local governments, and housing authorities from inquiring into or denying a person’s eligibility for public housing or rent assistance based solely on their immigration or citizenship status.” This also includes DACA recipients.What Are The Voting Rights And Political Participation Options For DACA Recipients In The United States in New Jersey?
DACA recipients in New Jersey are not eligible to vote in federal, state, or local elections, and thus they do not have the same level of voting rights and political participation options as other U.S. citizens. However, even though they cannot vote, DACA recipients can still contribute to the political process by engaging in advocacy, volunteering for candidates or organizations, participating in rallies and marches, organizing their communities around issues they care about, and more. Furthermore, DACA recipients are encouraged to participate in the census which helps determine the number of representatives each state has in Congress and the distribution of federal funds to local communities.Can DACA Recipients Access State-Funded Language And Educational Programs, Such As English As A Second Language (Esl) Classes in New Jersey?
DACA recipients are eligible to access state-funded language and educational programs in New Jersey, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. In addition, DACA recipients can also access in-state tuition rates at New Jersey universities.Are There Any State-Level Protections For DACA Recipients Against Workplace Discrimination Or Exploitation in New Jersey?
Yes, there are protections for DACA recipients against workplace discrimination or exploitation in New Jersey. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) prohibits employers from discriminating against DACA recipients based on their citizenship or immigration status. The NJLAD also protects against retaliation if a DACA recipient exercises their rights under the law. Furthermore, DACA recipients are entitled to the same rights and protections as all other employees under New Jersey labor laws, including minimum wage and overtime pay, and protection from workplace harassment or exploitation.How Can DACA Recipients Access Affordable Healthcare Or Insurance Options At The State Level in New Jersey?
DACA recipients in New Jersey may be eligible for Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare, which are government-sponsored health insurance programs for low-income individuals. Eligibility for these programs is based on income and family size. Individuals may apply online, by phone, or in person at their local NJ Department of Human Services office.Additionally, NJ FamilyCare also offers a Premium Assistance Program (PAP) which helps individuals who cannot afford their monthly premiums. Through PAP, individuals can receive assistance with premium payments as well as cost-sharing for services they receive.
DACA recipients may be eligible to purchase private health insurance plans through the healthcare exchange. These plans typically provide access to a wider network of providers and higher quality care than public options. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance provides information on available plans and can help individuals compare plan benefits and select the best option for their needs.
Finally, some community health centers may offer free or discounted care for individuals who are uninsured or have limited incomes. The New Jersey Primary Care Association provides a list of Federally Qualified Health Centers that can be found throughout the state.