In the Trump Administration's thirty-second week, there was backlash concerning the decision to end DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The program, touted as one of the advancements of the Obama administration, protected 800,000 undocumented youth that were brought to America as children. Since the announcement of DACA's end, the Department of Homeland Security has halted the processing of any new DACA applications. Beginning in 2012, the application process for DACA requires that applicants entered America before age 16, and have lived there since June 15, 2007.
As of today, most DACA recipients originate from Mexico, Salvador and Guatemala. Those who are accepted into the program have often been referred to as 'Dreamers.' Once approved, DACA recipients are allowed to live in the United States without the threat of deportation for two years. The recipients can apply for renewal for approximately $500 after the end of two years. Through DACA, Dreamers have been allowed to enroll in college, pay income tax, and legally receive driver's licenses. Unfortunately, the program does not allow for DACA recipients to become U.S citizens.
In response to the DACA announcement, President Donald J. Trump shared his desire for the future of DACA in the statement:
As I've said before, we will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion -- but through the lawful Democratic process -- while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve.
Among the reactions to DACA, a plethora of CEOs from American companies have shared their views concerning the decision. Currently, over 400 CEOs have signed a letter addressed to President Trump urging him to continue the DACA program. The initial supporters of the letter were CEOs of Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Facebook (NASDAQ: FB). The letter advocated for DACA recipients, saying that "Dreamers are vital to the future of our companies and our economy. With them, we grow and create jobs. They are part of why we will continue to have a global competitive advantage."
The disapproval of the American business sector is only an addition to the past contention between the two parties. CEOs of American businesses condemned President Trump's travel ban on Muslim countries, as well as the decision to remove America from the Paris climate agreement. Recently, President Trump's two business councils ended after his response to the white supremacist riot in Charlottesville.
The friction between the American business sector and President Trump over the course of Trump administration has proven to be increasingly strained. Formerly, the creation of the business councils were aimed at reducing corporate taxes and increasing the amount of money spent on rebuilding roads and other infrastructure across America. Supporters of corporate tax reform believe that if companies are taxed less, it will be better for the economy. Research has shown that decreasing corporate tax serve as a catalyst for more investment. As for infrastructure, many corporates desire such growth because of the amount of jobs public projects will create. Given the repeated clash between CEOs and President Donald J. Trump, only time will tell if the goals of American businesses will be fulfilled.