Number of Business Leader Signatories More Than Doubles Since Initial Letter Release
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, nearly 800 entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the country and representing every major sector of the economy released an open letter calling on Congress to pass the bipartisan Dream Act or a permanent a legislative solution that provides Dreamers raised in our country the solution they deserve. Businesses leaders from manufacturing, retail, agriculture, technology, financial services, entertainment, health care, energy and utilities, and every major sector of the economy signed the letter urging Congress to act on this urgent issue.
The first letter was released with just over 350 signatures, and now the combined list of unique signatories between the two letters has reached nearly 800 – more than double the original – as momentum grows for Congress to bring a Dream Act or a permanent legislative solution that Dreamers deserve to a vote.
The letter and current signatory list can be found here. The letter will remain open and those who wish to sign in the future can do so here.
Full text:
Open Letter from the Leaders of Industry
To: Speaker Paul Ryan; Leader Nancy Pelosi; Leader Mitch McConnell; and Leader Charles E. Schumer
With the rescission of the DACA program, it is urgent that Congress immediately pass the bipartisan Dream Act – or similar legislation – that gives Dreamers the permanent legislative solution they deserve.
Without a permanent legislative solution before next March, roughly 800,000 DACA recipients will lose their ability to work and study legally, will be forced from their jobs, and will be subject to immediate deportation. Further, without congressional action, our economy would lose $460.3 billion from the national GDP and $24.6 billion in Social Security and Medicare tax contributions.
Congressional action and a permanent legislative solution is the only path forward to prevent these devastating consequences. This is urgent, and we only have a few months to act.
All DACA recipients grew up in America, registered with our government, submitted to extensive background checks, and are diligently giving back to our communities and paying income taxes. More than 97 percent are in school or in the workforce, 5 percent started their own business, 65 percent have purchased a vehicle, and 16 percent have purchased their first home. At least 72 percent of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies count DACA recipients among their employees.
Dreamers are vital to the future of our companies and our economy. With them, we grow and create jobs. They are part of why we will continue to have a global competitive advantage.
We urge both parties in Congress to work together to pass the bipartisan Dream Act or similar legislation that gives Dreamers the permanent legislation they deserve.
About FWD.us: FWD.us is a bipartisan organization started by key leaders in the tech and business community to promote policies to keep the United States competitive in a global economy, starting with commonsense immigration reform and criminal justice reform.