In Puerto Rico, DACA recipients are granted the same rights and privileges as all other Puerto Ricans. This includes the right to work legally, access public universities, and receive health benefits. They are also eligible to obtain driver’s licenses, open bank accounts, and vote in local elections.
In Puerto Rico, DACA recipients are not currently eligible to receive in-state tuition rates at state colleges and universities. This is due to a current policy that requires students to be Puerto Rico residents for at least 12 months before they can qualify for in-state tuition rates.
Yes, DACA recipients can apply for an original or renewal of their driver’s license in Puerto Rico as long as they can present proof of identity and residence in the U.S. To obtain a state ID card, recipients must present proof of identity and residency in Puerto Rico as well as proof of income and/or Social Security number.
Yes, there are a few programs available to DACA recipients for higher education in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Department of Education provides financial aid and scholarships to certain students in Puerto Rico, including those who have DACA status. The Pell Grant is available to eligible DACA students in Puerto Rico, which provides up to $6,345 per year. Additionally, the University of Puerto Rico provides an Educational Opportunity Program grant which may be available to DACA students, as well as other scholarships and grants from organizations such as the College Board.
Yes, DACA recipients in Puerto Rico have access to emergency healthcare services. Puerto Ricans, regardless of immigration status, are eligible for medical assistance from the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration. All emergency services are provided regardless of ability to pay or insurance status.
Puerto Rico does not have any state-specific employment rights or protections for DACA recipients. However, DACA recipients are generally protected by the federal anti-discrimination laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Immigration and Nationality Act. Additionally, DACA recipients in Puerto Rico may be eligible for certain unemployment benefits through the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources.
Yes, DACA recipients can access public transportation services in their state of residence in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works provides access to public transportation services for all individuals who have a valid Puerto Rico driver’s license, regardless of immigration status.
No. currently, there are no specific laws in Puerto Rico that offer protection against discrimination or harassment of DACA recipients. However, DACA recipients may be eligible for protection under Puerto Rico’s general anti-discrimination laws, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability status, and sexual orientation. Additionally, Puerto Rico has a Human Rights Commission that is tasked with enforcing the anti-discrimination and other rights laws in the Commonwealth.
Yes, DACA recipients in Puerto Rico can access legal representation and assistance for immigration matters at the state level. There are a number of organizations providing immigration services in Puerto Rico, such as the Puerto Rico Immigration Project, which provides free legal representation to DACA recipients, and other immigration-related services. Additionally, local non-profit organizations and government agencies provide legal consultation and advice on immigration matters.
At the present time, Puerto Rico does not have any state-level executive orders or policies that protect the rights of DACA recipients. However, Governor Ricardo Rosselló did issue a statement in support of DACA recipients in September 2017. In the statement, the Governor made clear his commitment to protecting the rights of DACA recipients and providing them with a safe haven in Puerto Rico. He also urged Congress to pass a permanent solution for DACA recipients.
No, DACA recipients are not eligible to purchase or rent property in Puerto Rico. They are considered non-residents and do not have legal status to own real estate or enter into contracts in Puerto Rico.
Yes, there are restrictions on travel for DACA recipients in Puerto Rico. Travel within the US is allowed, but DACA recipients must obtain advance parole from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before traveling abroad. Additionally, travel to certain countries may be restricted for DACA recipients depending on the destination and the reason for travel.
The process for starting a business or obtaining a business license as a DACA recipient in Puerto Rico follows the same process as any other type of business. To start, a business plan should be developed and registered with the Department of State. The next step will be to obtain the necessary permits and licenses from local and federal government agencies. This may include obtaining an Employer Identification Number, registering the business with the Department of Treasury, registering with the Department of Labor and Human Resources, securing any necessary permits or licenses from the municipal government, registering for taxes, and applying for any applicable business loans. Lastly, the business must register with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce. All businesses must submit certified copies of their documentation such as their articles of incorporation, federal tax ID number, and license application. In addition to these documents, DACA recipients must also provide copies of their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and personal identification documents such as their passport and Social Security number. DACA recipients must also include a copy of their Form I-797C Notice of Action on their application. Once all the necessary documents have been submitted, the Puerto Rico government will review the application and issue the permit or license if all requirements are met.
No, state laws do not currently address the eligibility of DACA recipients for public housing or rent assistance programs in Puerto Rico. However, the Puerto Rico Department of Housing has issued a statement which states that all qualified individuals, including DACA recipients, are eligible to receive financial assistance and housing services from state agencies.
In the United States, DACA recipients are not able to vote in federal elections, as they are not recognized as citizens. However, they are able to participate in local and state elections in some states. In some states, DACA recipients can even obtain driver’s licenses and register to vote. In Puerto Rico, voting rights for DACA recipients are determined by local law. Generally, DACA recipients are able to register to vote and participate in Puerto Rican elections if they meet the requirements outlined by the Puerto Rico State Electoral Commission.
Yes, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients living in Puerto Rico are able to access state-funded language and educational programs, such as ESL classes. As long as the program is open to all residents of Puerto Rico, DACA recipients are eligible to participate.
No, there are currently no state-level protections for DACA recipients against workplace discrimination or exploitation in Puerto Rico. However, the Puerto Rican government has taken steps to protect DACA recipients from exploitation and abuse in the workplace, including increasing the minimum wage and strengthening employment security regulations. Additionally, in 2020, the Department of Labor and Human Resources launched a campaign to inform workers about their rights and how to report abuse and exploitation.
DACA recipients in Puerto Rico can access affordable health care and insurance options at the state level in the following ways:
1. Eligibility for Medicaid: DACA recipients may be eligible for Medicaid depending on their income, financial resources, and other eligibility criteria.
2. Puerto Rico Health Insurance Marketplace: DACA recipients can also purchase health insurance plans through the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Marketplace. These plans are provided at affordable rates and include many benefits such as preventive care, prescription drugs, and hospital care.
3. Other State Programs: DACA recipients may also be eligible for other state programs such as the Puerto Rico Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or the Puerto Rico Medical Assistance Program (MAP). These programs are available to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria and provide access to health care services at reduced costs.
No, Puerto Rico is not a part of the United States, and thus does not have any state laws governing DACA status. However, DACA recipients residing in Puerto Rico may be eligible to renew their DACA status under the federal government’s guidelines.
1. Proyecto Enlace: This organization offers free legal services, as well as education and advocacy programs around immigration and DACA.
2. Puerto Rico College Access Network: This network provides college access advising, financial aid application assistance, and college prep workshops for DACA students.
3. UnidosUS: This organization provides information and resources for DACA recipients on their state rights and privileges in the US, as well as other services such as legal assistance, financial aid, healthcare access, and more.
4. Alianza de Beneficiarios DACA en Puerto Rico (ABDPR): This organization provides support and resources for DACA recipients in Puerto Rico, such as legal assistance and workshops around DACA renewal, as well as advocacy and education.