Google to support Biden’s efforts to pass new US immigration law

Alphabet Inc’s Google said it would support President-elect Joe Biden’s efforts to pass a new US immigration law and would help cover application fees for immigrants seeking lawful work under a threatened government programme.

Google said on Wednesday it would pay for the application fees of about 500 young immigrants seeking employment under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme.

It comes as Google and other big US employers transition from four years of criticising outgoing President Donald Trump for restricting immigration policy and undermining the companies’ ability to hire foreign-born workers.

Biden said last week that he would propose unspecified immigration legislation to Congress “immediately” upon taking office on January 20. Biden’s Democratic Party will control Congress, boosting the chance his ideas become law.