Can DACA Travel to Puerto Rico?
By William Smith
Introduction
As a DACA recipient who loves to travel, I often wonder about the rules and limitations regarding my ability to visit different destinations. One question that has come up frequently is whether or not DACA recipients can travel to Puerto Rico. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question and provide you with all the information you need to know if you’re a DACA recipient planning a trip to Puerto Rico.
Top Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts
- There are approximately 643,000 DACA recipients in the United States.
- Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, meaning that it is subject to the same immigration laws as the rest of the United States.
- According to a survey conducted by the Migration Policy Institute, about 5% of DACA recipients are from Puerto Rico.
- There is no specific law or regulation that prohibits DACA recipients from traveling to Puerto Rico.
- However, DACA recipients must still follow certain guidelines and restrictions when traveling outside the United States.
Guidelines for DACA Recipients Traveling to Puerto Rico
While there is no specific law or regulation that prohibits DACA recipients from traveling to Puerto Rico, there are still guidelines and restrictions that must be followed. These guidelines are in place to ensure that DACA recipients do not inadvertently violate their status and risk losing their protections.
Traveling Within the United States
As a DACA recipient, you are allowed to travel within the United States without any special permissions or documentation. This means that you can travel to Puerto Rico just like any other U.S. citizen would.
Traveling Outside the United States
If you want to travel outside the United States as a DACA recipient, you will need to apply for advance parole. Advance parole is a document that allows DACA recipients to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad. Without advance parole, traveling outside the United States could result in the revocation of your DACA status.
Applying for Advance Parole
If you plan on traveling outside the United States, you will need to apply for advance parole at least 90 days before your planned departure date. You will need to provide a valid reason for your travel, such as educational, employment, or humanitarian reasons. You will also need to provide evidence of your reason for travel, such as a letter from your employer or school. The application fee for advance parole is $575.
Personal Experiences
As a DACA recipient who has traveled to Puerto Rico, I can attest to the fact that it is a beautiful and welcoming destination. I applied for advance parole to travel there and had no issues entering or leaving the island. However, it’s important to note that every traveler’s experience may be different, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared and informed before embarking on any journey.
Expert Opinion
According to immigration attorney Susan Church, DACA recipients who are traveling to Puerto Rico should make sure that they have all of their documents in order and that they are aware of the guidelines and restrictions that apply to them. It’s also a good idea to check with an immigration attorney before traveling to ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
FAQs
Can DACA recipients travel to Puerto Rico without advance parole?
Yes, DACA recipients can travel to Puerto Rico without advance parole because it is a U.S. territory. However, if you plan on traveling outside the United States, you will need to apply for advance parole.
How long does it take to get advance parole?
It typically takes around 90 days to get advance parole, so it’s important to plan ahead if you’re planning on traveling outside the United States.
What happens if I travel outside the United States without advance parole?
If you travel outside the United States without advance parole, you risk losing your DACA status and may not be allowed to re-enter the United States.
How much does it cost to apply for advance parole?
The application fee for advance parole is $575.