Sixty companies and trade associations, including BAL, urged congressional leaders to enact a bipartisan, permanent legislative solution for Dreamers, saying they “make essential contributions” to the U.S. economy.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has protected and provided work authorization to hundreds of thousands of Dreamers, faces continued uncertainty after a federal judge ruled in September that the Biden administration’s attempt to protect DACA through federal regulation was unlawful.

In a letter to Democratic and Republican leaders in the House and Senate, the companies said failing to protect Dreamers harms the economy.

“Dreamers make essential contributions to America’s economic well-being, playing a vital role in the workforce, starting businesses, and creating jobs,” the letter said. “They are also consumers with significant purchasing power and contribute millions of dollars in tax revenue to federal, state, and local governments. American businesses in numerous key sectors rely on DACA beneficiaries in their workforce.”

Jennie Murray, president and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, noted that measures to protect Dreamers enjoy popular support.

“Businesses have not forgotten that we need a lasting solution for DACA recipients and other Dreamers,” she said. “America will be stronger when Republicans and Democrats work together to pass reforms that offer certainty to Dreamers, their employers and their communities.”

BAL Analysis: The business community has consistently supported DACA and Dreamers. While DACA has shielded hundreds of thousands of Dreamers from deportation, the program’s future remains uncertain and only Congress can provide a long-term solution to protect DACA. Under the current court order, DACA beneficiaries can continue to renew their DACA and DACA-related Employment Authorization Documents, though first-time requests cannot be approved. BAL will continue to follow DACA litigation and will provide updates as information becomes available.