A group of high-profile organizations, including Google, IBM Corp, Ernst & Young LLP, and Verizon, among others, are some of the major employers supporting the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In a recent amicus brief filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the group emphasizes DACA support, in particular, the impact on the U.S. economy if DACA is not continued. In the brief, $460 billion is noted as the impact to the U.S. gross domestic product if DACA holders are not given employment authorization.
DACA holders fill critical labor shortages, create new business, and are active in the American economy, the group said. With low unemployed and worker shortages affecting many parts of the economy, DACA holders are more valued than ever, the group further stated.
As of September 30, 2023, there were 544,000 active DACA recipients, per Department of Homeland Security data. Over 300,000 of the group fill labor shortages in industries that need employees, like education and health care. Others who started business employ an estimated 86,000 individuals. Further, DACA recipients start business at nearly twice the rate of Americans.
DACA has long been the subject of legal battles. The Biden administration recently filed a challenge to the federal district court in Texas to continue the program. Currently, existing DACA holders can renew their status, however, no new applicants are being accepted.
The companies note that ending the program will harm the U.S. economy, companies, and workers and strongly state their DACA support.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration-related issue, contact us. We work with our clients to ensure they get the right advice for their particular situation.