What State-Level Rights And Privileges Do DACA Recipients Have in Maryland?

In Maryland, DACA recipients have the same rights and privileges as other state residents, including the right to obtain a driver’s license, state identification card, and in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. They are also able to access state health insurance, apply for state scholarships and grants, and obtain professional licenses. They may also be eligible to vote.

Are DACA Recipients Eligible For In-State Tuition Rates At State Colleges And Universities in Maryland?

Yes, DACA recipients are eligible for in-state tuition rates at state colleges and universities in Maryland. The Maryland Dream Act of 2011 allows certain undocumented immigrants to qualify for in-state tuition rates if they meet certain requirements, including attending a Maryland high school for at least three consecutive years and filing an affidavit with the college or university stating that the student has applied or will apply for lawful status as soon as they are eligible. DACA recipients meet these requirements and are therefore eligible for in-state tuition rates.

Can DACA Recipients Obtain A Driver’s License Or State Id In Their State Of Residence in Maryland?

Yes, DACA recipients are eligible for a driver’s license or state ID card in Maryland. According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, “The MVA will issue a limited purpose driver’s license or ID card to a person who has been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).” Applicants must provide proof of identity and proof of Maryland residency.

Are There Any State-Funded Financial Aid Or Scholarship Programs Available To DACA Recipients For Higher Education in Maryland?

Yes. The Maryland Dream Act provides in-state tuition rates to eligible students regardless of immigration status. In addition, the Maryland Higher Education Commission offers a variety of grants and scholarship opportunities. Eligible students must meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating financial need, and some are available specifically for DACA recipients.

Do DACA Recipients Have Access To Emergency Healthcare Services In Their State Of Residence in Maryland?

Yes, DACA recipients in Maryland have access to emergency healthcare services. The Maryland Department of Health provides access to emergency medical care and related services to all residents, regardless of their immigration status. This includes access to emergency care at hospitals, community health centers, and other health care providers across the state.

Are There Any State-Specific Employment Rights Or Protections For DACA Recipients in Maryland?

Yes, there are certain state-specific employment rights and protections for DACA recipients in Maryland. These include, but are not limited to, the right to receive equal pay for equal work, the right to receive reasonable accommodations for religious practices, the right to fair representation in a union, and the right to reasonable protections against workplace discrimination based on immigration status. Additionally, employers in Maryland are prohibited from inquiring about an employee’s immigration status or requesting documents that could reveal an employee’s immigration status unless it is necessary to comply with federal law. Employers also may not threaten to report or report an employee’s immigration status to a federal agency or law enforcement.

Can DACA Recipients Access Public Transportation Services In Their State Of Residence in Maryland?

Yes, DACA recipients are eligible for public transportation services in Maryland. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) does not inquire about the immigration status of its customers and provides low-income riders with discounts on bus and rail fares.

Do State Laws Provide Any Protection Against Discrimination Or Harassment Of DACA Recipients in Maryland?

Yes, state laws in Maryland provide some protection against discrimination and harassment of DACA recipients. Maryland state laws prohibit employers from discriminating against individuals based on their citizenship or immigration status. Additionally, it is illegal for any person to face discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations or education based on their national origin, ethnicity or race. Finally, Maryland state law also provides that an employer cannot discriminate against an individual based on their gender identity or expression.

Can DACA Recipients Access Legal Representation Or Assistance For Immigration Matters At The State Level in Maryland?

Yes, DACA recipients can access legal representation or assistance for immigration matters at the state level in Maryland. For example, the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) provides legal services to low-income individuals struggling with a variety of immigration issues, such as applying for DACA or other forms of relief from deportation. The organization also provides free legal advice and assistance in the areas of family-based immigration, citizenship, and visas. Additionally, there are numerous private law firms in Maryland that specialize in immigration law and can represent DACA recipients in their immigration matters.

Are There Any State-Level Executive Orders Or Policies That Protect The Rights Of DACA Recipients in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland has several state-level executive orders or policies that protect the rights of DACA recipients. The state’s Dream Act, signed into law in 2012, provides in-state tuition rates to eligible students regardless of immigration status. In 2017, Maryland also became the first state in the nation to pass a law allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. In 2020, Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order that prohibits state and local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement activities and provides certain protections for DACA recipients. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Labor has recently announced a “DACA Employment Initiative” which will provide grants to non-profits to assist DACA recipients with career counseling and other employment services.

Can DACA Recipients Purchase Or Rent Property, Such As Homes Or Apartments, In Their State Of Residence in Maryland?

Yes, DACA recipients may purchase or rent property, such as homes or apartments, in their state of residence in Maryland. DACA recipients may also obtain mortgages and housing loans as long as they meet the requirements of lenders. However, some landlords may require additional documentation from applicants to verify their identity.

Are There Restrictions On Travel Within The State Or To Other States For DACA Recipients in Maryland?

Yes, there are restrictions on travel for DACA recipients in Maryland. DACA recipients are generally not able to travel outside of the United States without permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This includes travel to other states or territories. However, DACA recipients may be able to apply for advance parole, which allows certain individuals who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to travel outside of the country and return without any issues. In addition, DACA recipients may face additional restrictions depending on their state of residence.

What Is The Process For Starting A Business Or Obtaining A Business License As A DACA Recipient In Their State Of Residence in Maryland?

DACA recipients who are interested in starting a business or obtaining a business license in Maryland must follow the same process as any other individual wishing to do so. This includes securing capital and/or financing, obtaining a Maryland Business License, filing for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service, registering for a Maryland Sales & Use Tax License, and adhering to all local and state regulations. In addition, DACA recipients must provide valid proof of identity and residency, such as a Maryland driver’s license, state ID card or passport.

It is important to note that although DACA recipients may be allowed to legally work in the United States, they are not authorized to receive federal funding or assistance for their business startup costs. As such, they must pursue other sources of financing, such as private investors, angel investors or bank loans.

Do State Laws Address The Eligibility Of DACA Recipients For Public Housing Or Rent Assistance Programs in Maryland?

Yes, state laws in Maryland do address the eligibility of DACA recipients for public housing or rent assistance programs. Specifically, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development program allows eligible DACA recipients to receive public housing benefits and assistance. In addition, the Department of Human Services provides rental assistance to those who meet certain income requirements.

What Are The Voting Rights And Political Participation Options For DACA Recipients In The United States in Maryland?

In Maryland, DACA recipients are eligible to vote if they meet the state’s standard voting requirements. Eligible DACA recipients can register to vote in Maryland by filling out a voter registration form and providing acceptable proof of identity and residency. Once registered, DACA recipients can participate in all levels of elections. They are also eligible to serve as poll workers, serve as election judges, serve as election observers, or join political campaigns.

Can DACA Recipients Access State-Funded Language And Educational Programs, Such As English As A Second Language (Esl) Classes in Maryland?

Yes, DACA recipients in Maryland can access state-funded language and educational programs, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. There are several resources available to DACA recipients in Maryland, including the Office of Adult Education, which offers ESL classes at no cost. Additionally, many higher education institutions in Maryland offer ESL classes for non-native English speakers.

Are There Any State-Level Protections For DACA Recipients Against Workplace Discrimination Or Exploitation in Maryland?

Yes, there are certain state-level protections for DACA recipients against workplace discrimination or exploitation in Maryland. The Maryland Human Relations Commission (MHRC) enforces the state’s anti-discrimination law, which prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on their immigration or citizenship status. Additionally, the Maryland Wage and Hour Law prohibits employers from exploiting DACA recipients by paying them less than the minimum wage or withholding their wages. Finally, the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law protects DACA recipients from having their wages withheld without justification.

How Can DACA Recipients Access Affordable Healthcare Or Insurance Options At The State Level in Maryland?

DACA recipients in Maryland can access affordable healthcare or insurance options at the state level through Maryland Health Connection, which is the state’s health insurance marketplace. DACA recipients are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, so they have to rely on private insurance plans offered through the marketplace. These plans include coverage for preventive care, prescriptions, hospitalizations, and emergency services. Additionally, individuals may qualify for financial assistance to help cover the cost of their coverage. Maryland also offers an ACA coverage program specifically for DACA recipients called Maryland DreamAct Insurance. This program offers comprehensive health insurance coverage to DACA recipients without U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status and meets all of the essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Participants in this program must meet certain eligibility requirements including income and residency guidelines.

Do State Laws Provide Any Guidance On The Renewal Process For DACA Status For Recipients Residing In The State in Maryland?

Yes, the Maryland Department of Labor provides guidance on the renewal process for DACA status for recipients residing in the state. In order to renew DACA status in Maryland, individuals must submit the renewal application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 150 days of their current expiration date and must include the appropriate filing fee. Maryland also provides resources to help DACA recipients who are renewing their status. These resources include community and legal assistance programs that can provide guidance and assistance throughout the renewal process.

Where Can DACA Recipients Find Resources And Support To Navigate Their State Rights And Privileges In The United States in Maryland?

There are a number of organizations in Maryland that provide resources and support for DACA recipients. Some of these include the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), which provides legal resources and advice on navigating state rights and privileges; CASA, which provides legal services, civic engagement, citizenship assistance, and more; the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, which works to protect DACA recipients and ensure that they are treated fairly; the Maryland Dream Act Coalition, which provides resources and assistance to those applying for DACA status; and the Maryland United for Immigration Reform, which advocates for immigration reform and provides support and education to immigrants. Additionally, many universities in Maryland provide legal assistance to DACA students, such as the University of Maryland’s Immigration Law Clinic.