SAN FRANCISCO: Nearly two dozen major companies in technology and other industries are planning to launch a coalition to demand legislation that would allow young, illegal immigrants a path to permanent residency.

The Coalition for the American Dream intends to ask Congress to pass bipartisan legislation this year that would allow these immigrants, often referred to as Dreamers, to continue working in the United States, a document said.

Alphabet Inc’s Google, Microsoft Corp, Facebook Inc, Intel Corp, Uber Technologies Inc , IBM Corp, Marriott International Inc and other top US companies are listed as members, one of the documents shows. Intel, Uber and Univision Communications Inc confirmed their membership, but the other companies did not immediately comment. It is possible that plans to launch the group could change.

“Were pleased to join with other organisations in urging Congress to pass legislation to protect Dreamers,” Intel spokesman Will Moss said in a statement.

Matthew Wing, a spokesman for Uber, said, “Uber joined the Coalition for the American Dream because we stand with the Dreamers. We’ve also held town halls, provided legal support and launched an online Dreamer Resource Centre for any of our drivers.” The push for this legislation comes after President Donald Trumps September decision to allow the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme to expire in March. That programme, established by former President Barack Obama in 2012, allows approximately 900,000 illegal immigrants to obtain work permits.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2017