Here’s what you need to know about this immigration policy.
President Trump’s administration has announced it will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows undocumented immigrants who entered the country as children to be protected from deportation and to work legally. Unless Congress passes alternative immigration laws to protect DACA recipients, businesses may be forced to start separating from these employees as their work permits expire.
What does this mean?
At this time, employers should notify ALL employees (regardless of citizenship status to avoid discrimination) of the changes and let them know, if they haven’t already, employees need to submit renewal applications by October 5, 2017 (the last day the Department of Homeland Security will accept renewals).
You won’t know if your employees are DACA recipients unless employees have voluntarily disclosed this information. Employment authorization cards are given for many reasons and you shouldn’t ask for any specific details beyond the bare minimum information required on the I-9 form.
DACA is set to be rescinded in its entirety on March 5, 2018.
Have additional questions about how this impacts your workforce? We’re here to help! Our HR team can walk you through every question step-by-step.