The DACA was established by the Obama administration in June of 2012 and the policy granted protections to undocumented immigrants who were minors living in the country. Immigrants minors who met certain criteria are protected to reside, work and study in the United States. The protection grants a renewable two-year deferment from deportation and gives access to work permits.

Intermountain's leadership team and members of the Board of Trustees have committed to support the caregivers who may be affected by proposed changes to the DACA program, which were announced last week by the Trump Administration.

The changes will impact 696,000 people nationwide, commonly known as “Dreamers,” and this number includes some Intermountain caregivers. Intermountain has reached out to the individuals and will help the affected caregivers file the appropriate paperwork so they can continue to legally live and work in the U.S.

"If they’re one of our caregivers who's working as part of the DACA program, please know we value and support them," said Intermountain CEO Marc Harrison, MD. "I want all Intermountain caregivers to know that we're reaching out personally to let these colleagues know we're offering resources to assist them in understanding what's happening with this immigration policy and help them with extension applications if they're needed."

The recent announcement will phase out the program's protections over the next 6 months. President Donald Trump has urged congress to pass a DACA replacement in this time frame. New applicants are no longer being accepted, but anyone whose status is set to expire by March 5, 2018, has until October 5, 2017, to apply for a new two-year permit.

"Changes to DACA could affect our valued caregivers working as nurses and medical aides, in food services and maintenance, and in many other areas," said Joe Fournier, senior vice president and chief people officer. "Offering these resources is one of the ways we can show that we value everyone at Intermountain. Our caregivers demonstrate every day how dedicated they are to our patients and families who come to us for care, and to each other. We know we are stronger when we create a workplace where our caregivers feel supported in uncertain times."

"We have expressed our support for the Dreamers working through DACA and showing our appreciation for all of our fellow caregivers as we work toward 'helping people live the healthiest lives possible,'" said Dr. Harrison.