Microsoft Wins Full Restoration of DACA Program after Federal Court Win

During last November, Microsoft collaborated with Princeton University and a student in a filing complaint in the federal courts. The case revolved around challenging the demise of Deferred Action for Childhood (DACA) program. Microsoft and Princeton argued the termination of the program harmed so-called DREAMer immigrants and education institutions that rely on their contributions. In a win for Microsoft, students, and Princeton, the federal court this week agreed that the termination of DACA was wrong. As such, the judge said the program should be fully restored, although the implementation of the ruling is delayed for 90 days. Microsoft president Brad Smith commented on the victory and spoke of the importance of DACA: “DREAMers grew up in this country, attended our schools, pay taxes and contribute to our communities. We hope this decision will help provide new incentive for the legislative solution the country and these individuals so clearly deserve. As the business community has come to appreciate, a lasting solution for the country's DREAMers is both an economic imperative and a humanitarian necessity.” DACA was formulated under the Obama administration but was repealed by the Trump presidency last year. The term DREAMers refers to immigrants who entered the United States as illegals when they were minors. With DACA removed, now-adult illegals would have to leave the country when a current work permit ends (up to two years).

Microsoft Backing

Microsoft said it would provide legal backing to DREAMers as they attempted to fight the removal of DACA. Partnering with Princeton University to help student Maria De La Cruz was the first evidence of Microsoft fighting the DACA corner. “The 45 Dreamers employed by Microsoft today are making countless contributions in our company and community,” says Microsoft president Brad Smith said at the time. “They have grown up in the United States, attended our schools, paid taxes, bought houses and started families. They also completed the government's rigorous DACA application process before they could obtain work authorization to join our company. It's critical that we don't lose their tremendous talents.”