The world is exploding after President Trump’s decision to block refugees and residents of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the USA, with widespread outrage and protests spanning the globe.
Big tech companies are no exception. Many companies in Silicon Valley, as well as the CEOs of other huge tech companies, have published official statements and taken to Twitter to express their disgust in the decision.
Companies such as Box and Lyft, among many others, stated their disapproval in very strong terms, calling the orders antithetical and detrimental to the nation’s core values.
In response to the orders, Google has created an emergency fund of $4 million to be used for UNHCR, American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrant Legal Resource Center and the International Rescue Committee.
One of Google’s co-founders, Sergey Brin, was also seen at San Francisco International Airport participating in a march in protest of the orders, who claimed, “I’m here because I’m a refugee”. Airbnb has offered free housing to any refugees who have been left stranded at airports after travel restrictions were put in place.
Apple CEO Tim Cook also states that the executive orders “are not something we support”. Apple has sent out a memo to all employees stating that they have reached out to the White House in protest of the decision.
“In my conversations with officials here in Washington this week, I’ve made it clear that Apple believes deeply in the importance of immigration – both to our country and to our nation’s future” states the memo written by Tim Cook. “Apple would not exist without immigration, let alone thrive and innovate the way we do”.
A tweet from the official @Twitter account posted a brief message in support of immigrants, stating “Twitter is built by immigrants of all religions. We stand for and with them, always.”
Even Microsoft, a huge government contractor, came out about the decision, calling it “misguided and a fundamental step backwards.”
This is just a tiny taste of the backlash that President Trump is experiencing right now following his first few days in office. Considering the amount of marches and protests that this attitude towards immigration and refugees has caused, these orders may not stand for much longer.
