State Support and Protection for Immigrants
Despite the division in immigration debates, some states support immigrants, recognizing their economic, labor, and invaluable contributions to the country. Many of these states endorse the immigration executive actions of President Barack Obama, granting driver’s licenses and providing opportunities for students and professionals to achieve their dreams.
States That Support Immigrants
The following states supported the executive immigration actions announced on November 20, 2014, by defending the benefits of DAPA and DACA:
- Washington
- Oregon
- California
- New Mexico
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Vermont
- Washington D.C.
States Offering Driver’s Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants
These states help facilitate immigrants’ lives by allowing undocumented residents to obtain driver’s licenses:
- Washington
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Colorado
- New Mexico
- Illinois
- Vermont
- Connecticut
- Maryland
- Washington D.C.
Support for Dreamers
Some states offer in-state tuition rates to undocumented students who meet specific requirements. These states include:
- Oregon
- Utah
- Colorado
- Nebraska
- Kansas
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- New York
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Washington
- California
- Minnesota
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- New Mexico
The states of Nevada, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, and Massachusetts also allow DACA recipients to pay in-state tuition at select colleges.
In Michigan and Rhode Island, some colleges offer educational opportunities to students regardless of their immigration status.
States Offering Financial Aid to Undocumented Students
Undocumented students who meet certain conditions can receive financial aid for college or university in these states:
- Washington
- California
- Texas
- New Mexico
States That Value Immigrants the Most
These states have shown significant support and provided benefits to improve immigrants’ quality of life:
- Washington
- California
Immigrant Support in Washington State
In Washington, undocumented immigrants benefit from:
- Eligibility for driver’s licenses.
- In-state tuition for colleges and universities.
- Access to state financial aid for higher education.
- State public benefits for legal immigrants who are not citizens.
Immigrant Support in California
In California, undocumented immigrants benefit from:
- Eligibility for driver’s licenses.
- Access to colleges and universities.
- A law allowing undocumented immigrants to join the state bar (with requirements).
- Starting in 2016, highly skilled undocumented immigrants can obtain professional licenses to work in their fields.
