Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court on Tuesday in cooperation with 63 other companies and individuals supporting the Obama administration’s executive actions on immigration.
Zuckerberg, the most well-known businessman to side with the White House, urged the eight justices to side with the Obama administration on a lawsuit submitted by 26 states that halted the president’s executive order to legalize 5 million people in the U.S. illegally.
“[T]he continuing threat of removal and other uncertainties facing undocumented individuals weaken our economy,” read the brief, posted on Fwd.us, an advocacy group that has pushed for comprehensive immigration reforms, including the pardoning of those illegally in the country.
The suit against Obama’s proposed Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals was submitted to the highest court last year after lower courts failed to settle whether the president was allowed to go around Congress to implement new immigration laws.
Facebook and other Silicon Valley tech groups have rallied around the president’s proposed legalization of millions. Zuckerberg’s company has been criticized for its high use of guest workers through congressionally mandated visa numbers, because it does not prioritize U.S. workers.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments beginning April 18. It is expected to issue a ruling in June.
