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

DACA recipients in Virginia have the right to obtain a Virginia driver’s license or non-driver ID card, obtain in-state tuition rates at public universities, access to state-funded health care services, and the ability to seek employment and apply for professional licenses. Additionally, DACA recipients have the right to be represented in Virginia courts, receive protection from discrimination based on their immigration status, and be protected from discriminatory practices when applying for credit.

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

No, according to the Virginia State Council of Higher Education, DACA recipients are not eligible for in-state tuition rates at state colleges and universities in Virginia.

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

Yes, DACA recipients can obtain a driver’s license or state ID in Virginia. DACA recipients are eligible to receive an operator’s license, learner’s permit, or state ID card from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To apply, applicants must provide proof of identity and residency in Virginia, and must pay all applicable fees.

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

Yes. The DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education in Virginia. The state of Virginia provides financial aid and scholarship programs to assist DACA recipients in their collegiate pursuits. The Commonwealth of Virginia has created the Virginia Dream Fund for college-bound immigrants who meet certain criteria, including DACA students. This fund provides scholarships to DACA students seeking to attend public or private colleges in Virginia. Additionally, some private schools in Virginia may offer scholarships or grants specifically to DACA recipients or immigrant students in general.

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

Yes. DACA recipients in Virginia are eligible for Medicaid services, including emergency healthcare services, through the Virginia Medicaid Program.

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

Yes, DACA recipients in Virginia have certain state-specific employment rights and protections. Under Executive Order 72, issued by then-Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2017, DACA recipients are protected from discrimination on the basis of their immigration status in employment, housing, and other public services. The Order further prohibits state entities from denying employment to individuals based on their DACA status. Additionally, DACA recipients are eligible for Virginia in-state tuition rates at public universities and community colleges, and may also be eligible for certain financial aid programs.

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

Yes, DACA recipients are able to access public transportation services in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation has recognized that DACA recipients are eligible to apply for and use transit services in the state.

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

Yes, Virginia provides some legal protections against discrimination and harassment of DACA recipients. Virginia’s Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in public accommodation, real estate transactions, and educational institutions based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, and other protected characteristics. This law applies to all persons in Virginia, regardless of their immigration status. In addition, the Virginia Values Act was passed in 2020 and prohibits employers from discriminating or retaliating against employees based on their immigration status.

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

Yes, DACA recipients in Virginia can access legal representation and assistance for immigration matters. There are a number of organizations in Virginia that offer free or low-cost legal aid services to help immigrants understand their rights and navigate the immigration system. These organizations provide advice, representation, and other forms of assistance to DACA recipients in Virginia.

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

Yes, there are several state-level executive orders and policies that protect the rights of DACA recipients in Virginia. In December 2018, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued an executive order affirming the rights of DACA recipients in the Commonwealth and protecting them from discrimination. This order affirmed that DACA recipients should be allowed to access state services, including public education, driver’s licenses, and state employment. In addition, the Virginia General Assembly has passed legislation prohibiting discrimination against DACA recipients in public employment and public higher education. Finally, the Virginia Attorney General’s Office has established a legal defense fund to support DACA recipients in the Commonwealth and is advocating for stronger protections for Dreamers.

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

Yes, DACA recipients are able to purchase or rent property in the state of Virginia. In order to do so, they must meet the same requirements as other renters or homeowners, such as having a steady income and good credit. Additionally, they may also need to provide documentation of their immigration status in order to rent an apartment or home.

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

There are no restrictions on travel within the state of Virginia for DACA recipients. However, DACA recipients should be aware that they are not eligible to receive a driver’s license or any other state-issued identification in Virginia.

As for travel to other states, DACA recipients are strongly advised to check with the laws and regulations of the states they plan to visit prior to traveling, as individual state policies vary greatly. It is also important to note that any travel outside of the United States requires advance parole from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is not guaranteed.

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

1. Determine the type of business you would like to start: Before you can start a business, you will need to decide what type of business you would like to start. Factors such as your interests, skills, funding, the market, and regulations will all factor into this decision.

2. Choose a business structure: When starting a business, you will need to decide which business structure will work best for your company. Common types of business structures include sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Each of these has its own taxation and legal implications.

3. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Your DACA status does not prevent you from obtaining an EIN, which is necessary for filing taxes and opening a business bank account. You can obtain an EIN from the IRS for free online.

4. Register your business: Once you know what type of business you would like to start and have obtained an EIN, you will need to register your business with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). This can be done online or in person.

5. Obtain any necessary permits and licenses: Depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need to obtain additional permits and licenses from the state and/or local government. Check with your local government to see what permits and licenses are required for your particular business.

6. Open a Business Bank Account: Lastly, you will need to open a business bank account in order to manage your business finances. Most banks will require that you provide them with your EIN in order to open an account.

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

No, state laws in Virginia do not address the eligibility of DACA recipients for public housing or rent assistance programs. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development has stated that DACA recipients are not eligible for federal public or assisted housing programs or federal rent assistance programs administered by the Department. Thus, DACA recipients are not eligible for public housing or rent assistance programs in Virginia.

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

In the state of Virginia, DACA recipients are not eligible to vote in any elections. However, there are still ways they can participate in the political process. DACA recipients can:

• Reach out to their elected officials and register their opinions on important issues.

• Participate in protests, rallies, and other public demonstrations that promote causes they believe in.

• Organize and/or attend forums and events to learn about upcoming legislation and laws that will affect their community.

• Encourage other members of their community to become politically engaged and register to vote.

• Become involved in campaigns and grassroots organizations that support causes they believe in.

• Join organizations that encourage voter registration and turnout for members of their community, as well as those that work on immigration reform.

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

Yes, DACA recipients can access state-funded language and educational programs, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, in Virginia. According to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), undocumented immigrants (including DACA recipients) are eligible to enroll in public elementary and secondary schools in the state, and they may also be eligible for state-funded language and educational programs. The VDOE recommends that school divisions contact their local school division attorney for additional information on any state or federal laws related to enrolling undocumented immigrant students.

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

Yes, there are state-level protections for DACA recipients against workplace discrimination or exploitation in Virginia. The Virginia Values Act (VVA) prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on their immigration status. The VVA also places restrictions on employers’ ability to inquire about a person’s immigration status or require them to produce documents to prove their legal immigration status. Employers are further restricted from threatening to file or filing an unfounded immigration-related complaint with any federal agency or local law enforcement. Additionally, the VVA prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report a violation of the law or participate in any investigation related to the law.

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

DACA recipients in Virginia can access affordable healthcare and insurance options through Medicaid, FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security) for children, and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). DMAS also offers limited free healthcare services for DACA recipients at community health centers across the state. In addition, some private health insurance plans may be available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). DACA recipients may be eligible to enroll in some of these plans if they meet certain eligibility requirements.

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

No, state laws do not provide specific guidance on the renewal process for DACA status for recipients residing in Virginia. However, the VA Department of Motor Vehicles does provide information about obtaining a Virginia driver license or ID card if you are an eligible DACA recipient. Additionally, the Virginia State Bar provides information about legal resources available for DACA recipients, including links to immigration legal service providers and other organizations that may be able to provide assistance with the renewal process.

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

1. The DACA Virginia Resource Center (www.dacavirginia.org) provides up-to-date information on Virginia’s DACA policies, resources, and legal rights for DACA recipients.

2. The Virginia Immigrant Resource Center (VIRC) (www.virc.org) provides free legal aid and counseling services to DACA recipients in the state of Virginia.

3. Northern Virginia Immigration Legal Services (NVILS) (www.nvils.org) provides legal assistance to DACA recipients in the state of Virginia.

4. The Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington DC (www.culturadc.org/daca) offers a range of resources and support for DACA recipients living in the Washington DC area, including educational workshops and legal consultations.

5. The Virginia Latino Alliance for Human Rights (www.vlahr.org) is an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and privileges of Latinos living in the state of Virginia, including those who are DACA eligible.

6. The United We Dream Network (www.unitedwedream.org) is a national organization dedicated to empowering undocumented youth and advocating for their rights, including those who are DACA eligible.

7. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) (www.chirla.org) offers direct legal assistance to DACA recipients in addition to providing education about their rights and privileges in the United States.