Ever since US President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order banning citizens from seven countries from entering the United States of America, many have been hurriedly detained in airports around the US. It was uncharacteristic for a country known as a haven for immigrants to pull off such a stunt, and many were understandably furious.
But amidst such a divisive move from its current President, some Americans, particularly those in the tech industry, have rallied around the rights of those affected by the ban. Here are some evidence that, no matter how dark the times may get, there is plenty of good left in the world.
Lyft donates $1M to ACLU
Lyft is a ride company competing with Uber in the US. They committed to giving $1M to American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) over the next four years. ACLU has been at the forefront in fighting for the rights of immigrants affected by the ban.
Twitter to Help ACLU
I’m inspired by all who are barely scraping by yet still giving monthly to the @ACLU. 🙏🏼
Show me your receipts and I’ll match ’em to $75k. https://t.co/dej1dXag3a
— Chris Sacca (@sacca) January 28, 2017
Twitter investor Chris Sacca will donate $150,000 to the America Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Facebook to Work With Agencies in Protecting Immigrants’ Rights
Mark Zuckerberg, whose wife is the daughter of immigrants from China and Vietnam, announced that he will be working with government agencies to ensure existing policies will be enforced to protect the rights of immigrants in the US.
Apple Offers its Services
Apple CEO Tim Cook sent a memo to Apple employees, making it clear that the ban is something that the company does not support. Cook says Apple would not have been possible without immigrants, mentioning that founder Steve Jobs is himself the son of Syrian immigrants.
Cook adds that Apple will make use of all their resources for all who have questions and concerns about immigration policies.
Kal Penn Uses Social Media to Positive Use
After being harassed on his Twitter account, actor Kal Penn turned things around and started a fundraising campaign to support Syrian refugees. Penn, who stars in the politically-charged drama Designated Survivor and briefly served under the Obama administration, was able to raise over $600,000 around what would have been an unfortunate incident of bigotry in the form of online harassment.
AirBnB Offers Sanctuary to Refugees
AirBnB announced that they would work with relief organizations in providing temporary shelter to refugees affected by the ban. They launched a website that will connect volunteers to those in need of shelter.
Google Raises Funds in Support of Those Affected by the Ban
Shortly after Trump’s ban, Google featured civil rights activist Fred Korematsu on their doodle site. Korematsu fought against the US government’s internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.
The company also recalled many of its employees scattered around the globe, fearing the repercussions of the ban on its diverse workforce. Google also raised $4 million crisis fund to support immigrants directly affected by the ban.
Starbucks Offer to Hire 10,000 Refugees
Starbucks CEO Mark Schultz, seemingly in a direct response to Trump’s ban order, announces his plan to hire 10,000 refugees at a time when “the promise of the American dream is being called into question.”
Trump supporters are calling for a boycott of Starbucks coffee shops in the wake of this announcement. (But this story is not about that.)
Do you know anyone affected by the ban? Share it with us below!
