L.A. Area Chamber Urges President Trump to Allay Workforce Concerns among Employers and Keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
August 26, 2017
LOS ANGELES, CA —In response to news that President Trump is considering plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an Obama administration decision to allow the children of undocumented immigrants to stay in this country, Gary Toebben, President & CEO of the Chamber, issued this statement:
“The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce has long supported issues related to immigration – from comprehensive immigration reform to the passage of the California Dream Act. We know the powerful impact immigrants have on our economy and communities, and we have research that shows their substantial contributions. In February of this year, we sent President Trump a letter with this very data, detailing the benefits to our business community,” said Toebben.
Toebben continued, “Withdrawing DACA would not only stop progress, but it would cause significant confusion. Employers who have hired individuals as a result of DACA would not have any guidance as to how to handle this predicament, and youth under DACA would have uncertain futures. We believe, instead, responsible legislation is the path to a positive outcome. The current bi-partisan Dream Act 2017 introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., would provide a long-term solution for these youth who want to work and go to school without being terrified of deportation. Ensuring these youth are protected is not only the right thing to do, but Los Angeles and the United States are the better because of it.”
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