January 11, 2018

Dear Member of Congress:

We are writing to express our strong support for legislation that would provide permanent protection, including a path to citizenship, for Dreamers.  The time has come for immediate and urgent action by Congress.

Princeton and Microsoft have joined together on behalf of recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program because we see vividly and personally how much they have to offer.  At Princeton, DACA recipients are among our most accomplished and respected students, and at Microsoft they serve in critical roles and make countless contributions to our company.  DACA has allowed these talented and motivated young people, who came to this country as a result of decisions by their parents, to pursue their educations, develop their talents, and contribute positively to our communities and this country.  These young people deserve the opportunity not only to remain in the United States, which for many is the only home they have known, but to be reassured that their devotion to this country is welcomed and valued.  Missing the opportunity to create a durable, bipartisan legislative solution for Dreamers would be a significant step backward.

The failure to act already has taken a toll on our country.  According to the Department of Homeland Security, approximately 22,000 DACA recipients were not able, or chose not, to renew their temporary legal status last fall.  Many of these individuals have already lost their DACA status, making them potentially vulnerable to deportation.  While a federal district court has issued a preliminary injunction on the rescission of DACA, the future of Dreamers remains as uncertain as ever.  Unless Congress acts quickly, more of these young people will be placed in limbo, causing unnecessary anguish and confusion for them, their families, and their employers.  With less than two months before the program is scheduled to end, legislation is needed now, particularly considering the significant administrative requirements of implementing any new system.  There is no reason—and no time—to delay.

We appreciate that issues surrounding immigration legislation are complex, but there is strong bipartisan support among lawmakers—and overwhelming public support—for a solution that provides a permanent status for Dreamers.  We urge Congress to act quickly and decisively to provide long-term protection for these highly deserving young people.

Sincerely,

Christopher L. Eisgruber 
President 
Princeton University                                       

Bradford L. Smith
President, Chief Legal Officer 
Microsoft Corporation