Microsoft pushes for DACA fix ahead of court hearing

Microsoft is heading to Capitol Hill to press lawmakers on legislation to protect recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, during a crucial week in the fight over the Obama-era immigration program.

Nearly 20 Microsoft employees, all DACA recipients, are flying in with President Brad Smith and top lobbyist Fred Humphries on Tuesday to urge congressional action and meet with lawmakers who have demonstrated leadership on DACA. The fly-in, the second time Microsoft has brought employees to Washington to press Congress, comes the same day the Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in cases challenging President Trump’s actions terminating the program.

“We have a proven track record of being an advocate for policies that include immigrants, that allows them and enables them to integrate their talents, their abilities, their skills. It’s helpful to the company but most importantly, to our economy,” Humphries told The Hill.

A ruling from the Supreme Court on Trump’s termination of the program is expected in the summer, just months before the election. If the high court does allow Trump to strike down the program, Humphries said Microsoft will “double down” on pressing Congress to pass legislation to protect Dreamers.

“We have never taken our eye off the ball, even when it’s gone quiet,” Humphries said. “We have done our best to represent the 66 DACA employees, which includes Microsoft and LinkedIn, to make sure that our employees voices are heard and our company’s voice is heard.”

Microsoft has been a vocal advocate for the program, urging lawmakers to take action as soon as Trump moved to halt it.