Nevada shows concerns over DACA removal

mber of Las Vegas casino operators and Nevada politicians have joined growing opposition in Nevada towards president Trump’s decision to repeal DACA.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) established by Obama in 2012 was an immigration policy that allowed groups of illegal immigrants who entered the U.S.A as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation as well as eligibility for a work permit.

The removal of DACA has caused much controversy already and now industries and companies from different sectors have voiced their concerns over the status of their employees with Nevada being no exception.

It has been estimated that the repeal will effect 800,000 people including 13,000 in the state of Nevada with many employed in the casino industries within Las Vegas.

Amongst the opposition are the likes of Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International who have openly voiced their concerns which focus on the uncertainties faced by their workers.

As reported in the Las Vegas Journal, Richard Broome, executive vice president of public affairs and communications of Caesars, said: “Caesars Entertainment has DACA employees, and as is the case for all of our immigrant employees, we support their efforts to become U.S. citizens. The company also continues to support comprehensive immigration reform

Caesars were joined by MGM Resorts International who in a public statement said: “We urge Congress to move quickly to address this so that the young people affected have stability for their future.”

Those who currently receive residency permits as a result of DACA will lose them within 6-months despite the fact that a total overhaul won’t take place for 2 years. This has caused panic amongst any large scale employment operations such as land-based casinos.

Many politicians in the state are also taking action against the decision with numerous representatives looking to reverse the decision. Governor Sandoval tweeted: "This is the country they know and love because it's their home, urging Congress to preserve program.”

The future of the decision to repeal DACA is unclear as it has already received such strong backlash from around America. However, if the government goes through with its current plans Nevada and in particular Las Vegas’ land-based casinos will lose potentially thousands of employees.