What Does DACA mean to Employers? February 7, 2013

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As immigration law is constantly evolving, it is important for employers and attorneys to stay abreast of the latest developments from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). With the 2012 presidential election decided, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) remains pivotal towards providing temporary relief for undocumented immigrants while Congress deliberates over comprehensive immigration reform.

With the advent of DACA, employers will encounter a segment of the U.S. workforce that may pose unique challenges and opportunities in its hiring and employment. Human resources personnel and in-house counsel may be required to resolve some challenges while considering the impact DACA may have on their companies. Although little guidance on DACA has been provided to employers by the DHS, these challenges can be mitigated through a uniform company policy, due diligence and with the advice of immigration counsel. Ultimately, DACA can have a great impact on employers through an educated and talented hiring pool of over 1.2 million candidates.

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