While Congress considers many competing, end-of-year priorities, the clock is ticking for nearly 800,000 young Dreamers, the businesses that employ them, and the communities they contribute to every day. The Trump administration’s actions to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, have put the future of these young people in jeopardy. The impact this could have on our economy is significant.

DACA recipients are working in nearly every sector of the economy. Research shows that the DACA-eligible population earns almost $19.9 billion in total annual income, and contributes more than $3 billion to federal and state taxes across the country. After taxes, that leaves them with almost $16.8 billion in spending power.

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Some may believe foreign-born individuals take jobs from those born in the U.S. The fact is that in California alone, nearly 1.5 million people are employed at immigrant-owned firms. Immigrants are starting businesses that enhance innovation, create jobs for all Americans and help propel our economy as a whole. This should be celebrated by Congress and reflected in our laws.

Foreign-born workers including the DACA-eligible population are also filling workforce shortages. In San Diego, the dissolution of DACA will shrink our labor force, potentially deporting the 40,000 Dreamers who call our region home. Our competitive industries such as construction, tech and agriculture rely on this pipeline. If we want to create more jobs and continue to compete globally, we must welcome these talented individuals, not turn them away only to see them contributing to our competitor’s economies.

The bottom line: Taking hardworking immigrants out of our economy and failing to address a solution for Dreamers would negatively impact our region’s economy. There would be consequences for everyone in our community, including U.S.-born workers. Small businesses and large corporations alike would experience this, as foreign-born talent plays important roles throughout the spectrum. We cannot close the door on a group of people who have helped sustain and grow both the local and national economy.


We must call on Congress to pass legislation that protects Dreamers and helps our economy. As an important step in addressing immigration reform at large, I urge our federal delegation to act now. To push for a solution for Dreamers, we are joining thousands of others across the country in the iMarch for Immigration campaign. You can show your support for Dreamers by joining our call to action on Dec. 6. Details are available at sdchamber.org/take-action.

Sanders is president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.