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President Trump enacted an executive order last week that banned immigration from 7 predominately Muslim countries, including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. This order has been met with immediate backlash. Protests broke out across major U.S. airports, politicians voiced their disdain and citizens rallied to offer their support.
On the legal front, an emergency stay was put in place to temporarily block the deportation of immigrants and refugees. Although there is concern over the longevity of the stay, there is certainly no doubt about the overwhelming support that the affected groups have received. There are some major players in the business world doing some major things to counter the effects of what has been justifiably labeled the “Muslim Ban”.
These companies have not only taken a verbal stance against Trump’s executive order but also are backing up their talk with action.
Airbnb
AirBnB’s CEO, Brian Chesky, made his stance known via Twitter calling the order “not right” and asking his followers to “stand with those who are affected.” He also let the world know that Airbnb will offer free housing to refugees and those banned from the US.
The company is rolling out a new development where supporters can offer housing for free to those affected by the immigration ban.
Airbnb is providing free housing to refugees and anyone not allowed in the US. Stayed tuned for more, contact me if urgent need for housing
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) January 29, 2017
Not allowing countries or refugees into America is not right, and we must stand with those who are affected.
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) January 29, 2017
Doordash
We Stand Together is DoorDash’s campaign in response to Trump’s order. It is designed to connect immigrants and refugees with the legal help they need. Anyone affected can contact the company directly to inquire about referrals to pro bono legal counsel and support. The company’s CEO, Tony Xu, also tweeted that the food delivery company would be delivering free food to any advocates “working to support immigrants and refugees.”
2/ Today, more than ever, DoorDash stands with all people working to come to America in search of a better life
— Tony Xu (@t_xu) January 29, 2017
3/ At best President Trump’s #muslimban is a misguided, blunt solution to a complicated, nuanced problem
— Tony Xu (@t_xu) January 29, 2017
Expedia
Expedia’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, had harsh words for Trump’s decision, calling it “the worst of his proclivity toward rash action versus thoughtfulness.” Khosrowshahi, who is an Iranian immigrant, stated, “Ours is a nation of immigrants. These are our roots, this is our soul. All erased with the stroke of a pen.”
In protest, Expedia has released a heartwarming video that clearly shows their position on the matter and demonstrates the company’s 2017 focus to “Go Global” despite recent political events.
Google co-founder, Sergey Brin, attended the Immigration Ban protest at San Francisco International Airport to show his support in a “personal capacity”.
Google then launched its largest crisis campaign to date. The $4 million fund will donate to organizations that are providing legal support to refugees and immigrants, including ACLU, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, International Rescue Committee, and UNHCR.
Lyft
Lyft announced in a statement released on the company’s website that it plans to donate $1 million over the next four years to ACLU effort’s to fight against the immigration ban and other injustices to civil liberties.
Lyft CEO showed immediate opposition to Trump’s executive order, unlike the CEO of its competitor Uber, who only showed concern once #DeleteUber began trending in response to the company’s lax position on the issue.
2/ Trump’s immigration ban is antithetical to both Lyft’s and our nation’s core values.
— logangreen (@logangreen) January 29, 2017
Starbucks
Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz wrote an open letter to his employees where he vowed to “neither stand by, nor stand silent” in the face of the new Administration’s turbulent beginnings.
Starbucks is fighting back against Trump’s actions in 4 ways: they will continue to support and employ members of DACA, they have plans to hire 10,000 refugees over the next 5 years, they are committed to maintaining a positive and reciprocal relationship with Mexico, and they will continue to provide healthcare to their employees despite the plausible repeal of the Affordable Care Act.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor CEO, Steve Kaufer, has spoken outwardly about Trump’s immigration ban in a LinkedIn post, calling it “heartless and discriminatory” and “against the principles that make our country great.” In response, the company has vouched its support for refugee resettlement around the world.
TripAdvisor has pledged $5 million over the next three years to the refugee crisis. The company currently offers aid to International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps.
Love this! Not only are they sticking up for what’s right, brand’s that take a social stance are more likely to connect with younger consumers. Inspirational for consumers and brands all over the U.S!