Association Statement on SCOTUS DACA ruling

Washington, D.C. –  The following is a statement from Tom Bené, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association on the Supreme Court decision in Department of Homeland Security, et al. v. Regents of the University of California, et al., that allows young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to continue to renew their work permits under the Deferred Access for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and also be protected from deportation. DACA recipients are also known as “DREAMers.”:

“Today’s Supreme Court decision is the validation of the American dream for thousands of restaurant owners and workers. Young people, including DREAMers, have always been central to our industry’s growth and success. As the industry looks forward to the long road of recovery from the impacts of the ongoing pandemic, we know that foreign-born industry employees and leaders will play an important role in our rebuilding.  

“The restaurant industry is a beacon of hope and advancement for foreign-born entrepreneurs. In addition to both front- and back-of the house workers, more than 40% of restaurant chefs and nearly a quarter of restaurant managers are foreign-born. Their hard work and dedication have enhanced the flavors and variety of the restaurant industry across this nation. As the country’s second-largest private sector employer, we will continue to support common-sense immigration reforms that allow us to provide opportunity and advancement to a growing legal workforce. The Supreme Court has spoken and it is time for Congress to act and find a permanent bipartisan solution for Dreamers and other undocumented immigrants that are already adding value to our communities and the economy.”