DACA Recipients Popular Questions in Rhode Island

Can DACA Recipients Travel Outside The U.S.?

It depends. DACA recipients may be able to travel outside the U.S. with permission from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This permission is known as advance parole and must be obtained before traveling outside the U.S. USCIS may grant advance parole for certain humanitarian, education, or employment reasons, and all applications are adjudicated on a case-by-case basis. Traveling outside the U.S. without advance parole can have serious consequences and may result in the termination of a DACA recipient’s deferred action and employment authorization.

Can DACA Recipients Get A Driver’S License in Rhode Island?

Yes, DACA recipients are eligible for driver’s licenses in Rhode Island.

Can DACA Recipients Get Financial Aid For College in Rhode Island?

Yes. DACA recipients are eligible to apply for financial aid for college in Rhode Island. Eligible students can apply for state and federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. DACA students should contact their college’s financial aid office for more information.

Can DACA Recipients Get A Social Security Number (Ssn) in Rhode Island?

Yes, DACA recipients can get a Social Security number in Rhode Island. To get a Social Security number, DACA recipients should visit their local Social Security office and provide the required documents. This includes a valid passport, evidence that they have been granted deferred action, and proof of identity.

Can DACA Recipients Get Health Insurance Through Their Employer in Rhode Island?

Yes, DACA recipients in Rhode Island can get health insurance through their employer. In fact, due to a law passed in 2020, all employers with 20 or more employees must provide their employees with health insurance coverage. This includes DACA recipients.

Can DACA Recipients Get Married To A U.S. Citizen in Rhode Island?

Yes, DACA recipients are eligible to get married to a U.S. Citizen in Rhode Island. However, they should understand that marriage to a U.S. Citizen does not automatically provide lawful permanent resident status or citizenship. In order to obtain lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, the DACA recipient would have to apply for an immigration visa through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Can DACA Recipients Apply For Citizenship in Rhode Island?

Yes, DACA recipients can apply for citizenship in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Department of Administration has established a process that allows DACA recipients to apply for citizenship. Eligible individuals may apply for U.S. citizenship by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Can DACA Recipients Sponsor Family Members For Immigration in Rhode Island?

No, DACA recipients are not eligible to sponsor family members for immigration in Rhode Island or any other state. Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible to sponsor family members for immigration.

Can DACA Recipients Renew Their DACA Status in Rhode Island?

Yes. DACA recipients may renew their DACA status in Rhode Island. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a special program called “Renewal by Mail” which allows individuals to renew their DACA status with USCIS without having to appear in person at a USCIS office. Further information on this program can be found on the USCIS website.

Can DACA Recipients Work For Any Employer in Rhode Island?

Yes, DACA recipients can work for any employer in Rhode Island, including those who are self-employed. Because DACA recipients are authorized to work in the United States by the federal government, this authorization applies to employers in Rhode Island and throughout the country. Employers must verify the identity and work authorization of all new hires, including those who are DACA recipients.

Can DACA Recipients Apply For A Mortgage Or Home Loan in Rhode Island?

Yes, DACA recipients can apply for a mortgage or home loan in Rhode Island. They may be eligible for certain state loan programs that are available to all borrowers regardless of immigration status. However, DACA recipients may face additional challenges in obtaining a mortgage or home loan due to their limited credit history and income. It is recommended that DACA recipients contact a local lender to discuss their options.

Can DACA Recipients Get A Professional License in Rhode Island?

Yes, DACA recipients in Rhode Island can get professional licenses. The state of Rhode Island does not have any specific laws or regulations that prevent DACA recipients from getting professional licenses. As long as all the other requirements for the license are met (education, experience, etc.), DACA recipients should be able to obtain the professional license.

Can DACA Recipients Serve In The Military in Rhode Island?

No, DACA recipients are not allowed to serve in the military in Rhode Island or any other US state. The US Department of Defense has clarified that DACA recipients are ineligible for enlistment in the United States Military.

Can DACA Recipients Apply For Financial Aid From Private Colleges in Rhode Island?

Yes, DACA recipients are eligible to apply for financial aid from private colleges in Rhode Island. However, the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education does not provide state financial aid to undocumented students, and DACA recipients may not receive federal financial aid.

Can DACA Recipients Get A Work Permit If DACA Is Terminated in Rhode Island?

No, DACA recipients would not be able to get a work permit if DACA is terminated in Rhode Island. Under federal law, DACA recipients are not eligible for work authorization. However, if Congress passes legislation that would create a new route for DACA recipients to gain legal status, then they could be eligible for a work permit.

Can DACA Recipients Get A Green Card (Permanent Residency) in Rhode Island?

DACA recipients are not eligible for green cards in Rhode Island. Green cards, or permanent residency, are only available through other lawful immigration processes.

Can DACA Recipients Be Deported If DACA Is Terminated in Rhode Island?

Yes, if DACA is terminated in Rhode Island, DACA recipients may still be subject to deportation. The DACA program only provides protection from deportation, it does not grant lawful status or any other immigration benefits. Therefore, if the DACA program ends, recipients will no longer be protected from deportation and may become subject to removal proceedings.

Can DACA Recipients Get A Professional Degree Or Advanced Education in Rhode Island?

Yes, DACA recipients can get a professional degree or advanced education in Rhode Island. However, certain restrictions apply. These include proof of Rhode Island residency, evidence of lawful presence in the United States, and other criteria as determined by the applicable school or college.

Can DACA Recipients Apply For A Credit Card in Rhode Island?

Yes, DACA recipients may apply for a credit card in Rhode Island. DACA recipients are considered legally authorized to work in the U.S. and are eligible to apply for credit cards like any other U.S. citizen or permanent resident. However, they may be required to provide additional paperwork to prove their identity and legal immigration status.

Can DACA Recipients Apply For Unemployment Benefits in Rhode Island?

No, unfortunately DACA recipients are not eligible for unemployment benefits in Rhode Island. According to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, only U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens may qualify for unemployment benefits.