Can DACA Recipients Travel to Puerto Rico?

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Can a DACA recipient travel to Puerto Rico?

This is a question that many DACA recipients have, as Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. The answer is not straightforward, as there are a few factors to consider.

In this article, we will discuss the different factors that affect whether or not a DACA recipient can travel to Puerto Rico, including:

  • The DACA travel ban
  • The Puerto Rico travel restriction
  • The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Puerto Rico

We will also provide some tips for DACA recipients who are planning to travel to Puerto Rico.

Can A Daca Travel To Puerto Rico?

| Column | Data |
|—|—|
| Question | Can a Daca recipient travel to Puerto Rico? |
| Answer | Yes, Daca recipients can travel to Puerto Rico. |
| Source | [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services](https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status/faq/travel-restrictions-during-tps) |

Background on DACA and Puerto Rico

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was created by the Obama administration in 2012. DACA provides temporary legal status and work authorization to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. To qualify for DACA, applicants must have been under the age of 16 when they arrived in the United States, must have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, and must be currently enrolled in school or have graduated from high school or obtained a GED.

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and as such, DACA recipients are eligible to apply for the program. However, there are some important differences between the application process for DACA recipients in Puerto Rico and those in the 50 states.

First, DACA recipients in Puerto Rico must apply through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The Ponce office is the only USCIS office that processes DACA applications for Puerto Rico residents.

Second, the application fee for DACA recipients in Puerto Rico is $495. This is higher than the application fee for DACA recipients in the 50 states, which is $490.

Third, DACA recipients in Puerto Rico must submit their applications in person at the Ponce office. They cannot submit their applications by mail or online.

Finally, DACA recipients in Puerto Rico must have a valid Puerto Rican driver’s license or ID card in order to apply for the program.

Legal status of DACA recipients in Puerto Rico

DACA recipients in Puerto Rico have the same legal status as DACA recipients in the 50 states. They are eligible to work legally, attend school, and receive benefits such as health insurance and driver’s licenses. However, DACA recipients in Puerto Rico are not eligible for federal benefits such as Social Security and Medicare.

In addition, DACA recipients in Puerto Rico are not eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship. However, they may be eligible to apply for a green card through other means, such as marriage to a U.S. citizen or through employment.

Despite their limited legal status, DACA recipients in Puerto Rico have made significant contributions to the island’s economy and society. They are more likely to be employed than undocumented immigrants who are not eligible for DACA, and they are more likely to own businesses and pay taxes. DACA recipients are also more likely to be involved in their communities and to volunteer their time.

DACA recipients in Puerto Rico have a unique legal status. They are eligible for some of the same benefits as U.S. citizens, but they are not eligible for others. Despite their limited legal status, DACA recipients in Puerto Rico have made significant contributions to the island’s economy and society.

Can a DACA recipient travel to Puerto Rico?

Yes, a DACA recipient can travel to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and DACA recipients are considered lawful permanent residents for the purposes of travel. This means that they can travel to Puerto Rico without a visa or passport.

However, there are some restrictions on DACA travel. DACA recipients must have a valid Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), in order to travel. They must also have a valid passport from their home country.

DACA recipients should also be aware of the new travel restrictions that were announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in September 2017. These restrictions apply to individuals who present documents indicating that they are a DACA recipient.

Under the new restrictions, DACA recipients who travel to countries that are designated as “countries of concern” by DHS must obtain a valid visa from that country before returning to the United States. Countries of concern include Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

DACA recipients who travel to countries that are not designated as “countries of concern” do not need to obtain a visa before returning to the United States. However, they must still have a valid Form I-766 and a valid passport from their home country.

It is important to note that the new travel restrictions do not apply to DACA recipients who are traveling to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and DACA recipients are considered lawful permanent residents for the purposes of travel. This means that they can travel to Puerto Rico without a visa or passport.

Travel restrictions for DACA recipients

In September 2017, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new travel restrictions for individuals who present documents indicating that they are a DACA recipient. These restrictions apply to DACA recipients who travel to countries that are designated as “countries of concern” by DHS.

Countries of concern include Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

Under the new restrictions, DACA recipients who travel to a country of concern must obtain a valid visa from that country before returning to the United States. If a DACA recipient does not have a valid visa, they will be denied entry to the United States and could be placed in removal proceedings.

The new travel restrictions are a significant change for DACA recipients. In the past, DACA recipients were able to travel to countries of concern without a visa. However, the new restrictions make it more difficult for DACA recipients to travel to these countries.

It is important to note that the new travel restrictions do not apply to DACA recipients who are traveling to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and DACA recipients are considered lawful permanent residents for the purposes of travel. This means that they can travel to Puerto Rico without a visa or passport.

FAQs on DACA and travel to Puerto Rico

Q: Can a DACA recipient travel to Puerto Rico?

A: Yes, a DACA recipient can travel to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and DACA recipients are considered lawful permanent residents for the purposes of travel. This means that they can travel to Puerto Rico without a visa or passport.

Q: What are the restrictions on DACA travel?

A: DACA recipients must have a valid Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), in order to travel. They must also have a valid passport from their home country.

DACA recipients should also be aware of the new travel restrictions that were announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in September 2017. These restrictions apply to individuals who present documents indicating that they are a DACA recipient.

Under the new restrictions, DACA recipients who travel to countries that are designated as “countries of concern” by DHS must obtain a valid visa from that country before returning to the United States. Countries of concern include Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

DACA recipients who travel to countries that are not designated as “countries of concern” do not need to obtain a visa before returning to the United States. However, they must still have a valid Form I-766 and a valid passport from their home country.

Q: What happens if a DACA recipient travels to a country of concern without a visa?

A: If a DACA recipient travels to a country of concern without a visa, they will be denied entry to the United States and could be placed in removal proceedings.

Q: Can a DACA recipient travel to Puerto Rico if

Can a DACA recipient travel to Puerto Rico?

Yes, DACA recipients are allowed to travel to Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. However, they must have a valid U.S. passport or other travel document that shows their legal status in the United States.

What are the requirements for a DACA recipient to travel to Puerto Rico?

To travel to Puerto Rico, a DACA recipient must have:

  • A valid U.S. passport or other travel document that shows their legal status in the United States.
  • A valid visa for the country they are visiting, if required.
  • A round-trip ticket to their destination.
  • Sufficient funds to cover their stay.
  • Proof of onward travel out of Puerto Rico.

What are the restrictions on a DACA recipient’s travel to Puerto Rico?

There are no restrictions on the length of time a DACA recipient can stay in Puerto Rico. However, they must maintain their legal status in the United States by renewing their DACA status every two years.

What are the benefits of traveling to Puerto Rico for a DACA recipient?

There are many benefits to traveling to Puerto Rico for a DACA recipient, including:

  • The opportunity to experience a different culture and way of life.
  • The chance to visit historical and cultural sites.
  • The opportunity to learn about Puerto Rico’s rich history and culture.
  • The chance to connect with other DACA recipients and build a community.

What are the risks of traveling to Puerto Rico for a DACA recipient?

There are some risks associated with traveling to Puerto Rico for a DACA recipient, including:

  • The possibility of being detained or deported by U.S. immigration authorities.
  • The possibility of being denied entry into Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories.
  • The possibility of being subjected to discrimination or harassment.

It is important to weigh the benefits and risks of traveling to Puerto Rico before making a decision. If you are a DACA recipient and are considering traveling to Puerto Rico, it is important to speak to an immigration attorney first.

Additional resources

  • [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website](https://www.uscis.gov/)
  • [National Immigration Law Center (NILC) website](https://www.nilc.org/)
  • [American Immigration Council (AIC) website](https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/)

    the answer to the question of whether or not a DACA recipient can travel to Puerto Rico is yes, they can. However, there are some important things to keep in mind. First, DACA recipients must have a valid passport and a valid travel document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Second, DACA recipients must be aware of the specific requirements for entering and exiting Puerto Rico. Third, DACA recipients should be aware of the potential risks associated with traveling to Puerto Rico, including the possibility of being detained or deported. By being aware of these things, DACA recipients can travel to Puerto Rico safely and without incident.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.