EA and Microsoft take a Stand Against DACA Shutdown

I think we can officially take EA off the list of worst companies in America at this point, guys. Let's face it: Ubisoft, Warner Brothers, even Valve, they're way worse at this point. EA might make giant triple-A games with lots of DLC and microtransactions, and they may have made a few annoying decisions regarding some of their IP (lookin' at you, Dungeon Keeper), but when the chips are down, they're a pretty fantastic company.

I mean, unless you're a Trump supporter. Then you'll hate this.

As you know, our President has recently made the decision to shut down DACA, otherwise known as the Dreamer program, which protected the children of illegal immigrants and gave them a chance to earn a place in American society. It's a well-loved program by Democrats and Republicans alike, and Trump's repeal of the act is just one more middle finger in the face of human decency. But fine. That's what some people voted him in to do.

Regardless, backlash to his efforts came fast and strong, and amongst those pushing back against the order is, you guessed it, EA, who joined Apple and Microsoft in signing an open letter opposed to this decision.

As entrepreneurs and business leaders, we are concerned about new developments in immigration policy that threaten the future of young undocumented immigrants brought to America as children.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows nearly 800,000 Dreamers the basic opportunity to work and study without the threat of deportation, is in jeopardy... More than 97 percent are in school or in the workforce, 5 percent started their own business, 65 percent have purchased a vehicle, and 16 percent have purchased their first home. At least 72 percent of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies count DACA recipients among their employees.

In addition to signing the letter, they released this statement to Kotaku when reached out for comment:

EA does have a small number of DACA employees. We are working closely with them and intend to help in any way that we can.

 
It's worth note that Microsoft and EA are the only gaming companies that seem to have taken a stand on this issue. Nintendo, Ubisoft, and Activision were reached out for comment but refrained from responding. Which isn't surprising: typically very few companies speak out on political matters like these, and EA is one of the few who consistently does.

So congratulations, EA. If there was any doubt in my mind before, there's none now. You're all alright in my book.