Gov. Raimondo announces new initiatives to help RI DACA recipients

September 18, 2017 9:33 pm

Governor Gina Raimondo announced a new initiative on Monday to help eligible DACA recipients in e state pay for the nearly $500 renewal fee by the October 5 deadline.

"We’ve secured more than $170,000 in philanthropic donations so that we are going to be able to pay for that $500 to the federal government,” said Raimondo.

This announcement comes almost two weeks after the Trump administration bombshell to end the program that provided relief for people who illegally immigrated to the U.S. as children. DACA allows those so-called “dreamers” to stay in the country and work.

The Rhode Island Foundation was one of the organizations to step up and help. The President and CEO, Neil Steinberg, says it was a no–brainer to donate to this cause.

"They’ve been here their whole life. They are our friends, they’re our neighbors, they’re our students, our future employees,” said Steinberg. T”he Rhode Island foundation’s mission is to meet the needs of the people of Rhode Island and these are all the people of Rhode Island."

At Monday’s press conference, Governor Raimondo also described a new coalition of advocacy organizations who will provide pro–bono legal services.

Local dreamers tell ABC 6 News they’re grateful for this help, but remain fearful of the future.

"I received DACA in 2012. Before that I was doing labor work, getting paid under the table. I don’t want to do that anymore,” said Juan Francal.

"Moving forward hopefully it doesn’t happen, but worst case scenario I would go back to my home country and see what I can do there. Although, I’ve never ever been there before,” said Nelson Morales.