Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that protects undocumented immigrants who were brought to America as young children. In addition to providing protection from removal, DACA also authorizes beneficiaries to work legally in the U.S. For the 800,000 DACA beneficiaries, called Dreamers, this program provides them a way to pursue careers and give back to the country they call home.
Dozens of leading American corporations are the result of immigration. Apple, Google, eBay, Tesla, SpaceX, Uber, Procter & Gamble, AT&T, Bank of America and many other corporations and startups were found by immigrants or the children of immigrants. These companies also employ thousands of Americans and immigrants each. Without immigrants, American life would look vastly different. Nearly 40% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their decendents, and these companies have a collective annual revenue of $4.8 trillion and employ 18.9 million people globally.
In addition to large businesses, immigrants and their children are highly likely to be successful entrepreneurs and small business owners. As of 2015, immigrants were twice as likely to start their own business as native-born Americans. About 2.9 million immigrants are self-employed, which means that immigrants are actually creating jobs, not stealing them.
Anti-immigrant rhetoric continues to grow louder, however, and it appears that the Trump administration is listening to the hatred, rather than weighing the facts when it comes to the value of immigrants. DACA is an important way to allow young undocumented immigrants to contribute to the country they consider home, including allowing them to pursue careers and start their own businesses that benefit the American economy. Without immigrants, thousands of American businesses would fold.
Many Dreamers are lining up to become America’s next generation of educators, innovators, movers and shakers, and leaders. Rescinding DACA denies the U.S. of hundreds of thousands of business owners and workers. The economic impact of DACA is both positive and wide reaching.
Immigration is a complex and rapidly changing issue. At USILaw, our global immigration attorneys are dedicated to helping you through the challenges of the immigration process. We are prepared to answer your questions and help you understand your legal options. Schedule a consultation with our team to begin your case.
Contact our offices today!
