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Rhode Island Raises Money to Pay for DACA Recipient's Renewal Fees

Gov. Gina Raimondo said she and a number of philanthropic organizations have raised $170,000 to cover the renewal fee for all Rhode Island residents who are eligible to renew their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status.

By Linda Borg

Gov. Gina Raimondo said she and a number of philanthropic organizations have raised $170,000 to cover the renewal fee for all Rhode Island residents who are eligible to renew their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump rescinded protection for young adults who came to the United States as children but have now applied to legally work and attend college here. There are 1,200 so-called "Dreamers" in Rhode Island and approximately 250 are eligible to renew their DACA status but they have to act quickly.

Recipients whose work permits expire before March 5 must submit their renewal applications no later than Oct. 3. They must be received by Oct. 5. This money is for those young adults.

"This is a human issue," Raimondo told a gathering of like-minded individuals. "Trump's decision is plain cruel and inhuman. We have to make enough noise to make Congress do the right thing, starting with a permanent path to citizenship."

Raimondo also reaffirmed the rights of Dreamers: they are eligible for in-state college tuition and they can receive two years of free tuition at the Community College of Rhode Island.

(c)2017 The Providence Journal (Providence, R.I.)

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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