The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce joined more than 20 businesses and business-focused organizations in filing an amicus (friend of the court) brief in support of efforts to protect the legality of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative currently being challenged by the state of Texas. DACA has remained a topic of interest among Chamber councils and leadership since September 2017, when the Trump administration announced it would end the initiative.
In the brief, the Chamber states that workforce development is a “challenge to the continuation” of business success in the area and acknowledges DACA grantees are, “an integral component to existing and future employment solutions.” Noting local benefits of maintaining the initiative, the brief further states grantees, “have been contributing to the community by creating jobs and building the tax base.”
Addressing the impact on the state level, several amici (entities filing the brief) pointed out Texas stands to lose more than $6 billion in annual economic activity should DACA be discontinued. The statement concludes leaving DACA intact is, “necessary to safeguard San Antonio’s growing economy and preserve the Texas Miracle.”
Businesses and organizations that joined the amicus brief include, Southwest Airlines, International Bancshares Corporation, Health Management Systems, and the Texas Association of Business.
For a complete list of amici download the full amicus brief here.
