First Google warned of the adverse side-effects from Trump's executive order on immigration by telling its offshore employees to return to the US, and advising those currently in the country to refrain from traveling abroad.
Then, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, wrote in LinkedIn post that “as an immigrant and as a CEO, I’ve both experienced and seen the positive impact that immigration has on our company, for the country, and for the world. We will continue to advocate on this important topic.”
Finally, moments ago the big tech trifecta was completed when Apple CEO Tim Cook blasted President Donald Turmp's executive orders on immigration policies Saturday, saying that immigration has been essential to Apple's corporate climate.
“Apple would not exist without immigration, let alone thrive and innovate the way we do,” wrote Cook in an email to Apple staff, Recode reported. “I've heard from many of you who are deeply concerned about the executive order issued yesterday restricting immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries. I share your concerns. It is not a policy we support.” Cook also quoted Martin Luther King in the email to employees: “In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, ‘We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now.’"
The statement comes after Apple CEO spent Thursday and Friday in D.C., meeting with senators, dining with the president’s daughter and son-in-law as well as Trump’s nominee to be Veterans Affairs secretary.
The full text of Cook's note is below:
Team,
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 company and to our nation's future. Apple would not exist without immigration, let alone thrive and innovate the way we do.
I've heard from many of you who are deeply concerned about the executive order issued yesterday restricting immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries. I share your concerns. It is not a policy we support.
There are employees at Apple who are directly affected by yesterday's immigration order. Our HR, Legal and Security teams are in contact with them, and Apple will do everything we can to support them.
We're providing resources on AppleWeb for anyone with questions or concerns about immigration policies. And we have reached out to the White House to explain the negative effect on our coworkers and our company.
As I've said many times, diversity makes our team stronger. And if there's one thing I know about the people at Apple, it's the depth of our empathy and support for one another. It's as important now as it's ever been, and it will not weaken one bit. I know I can count on all of you to make sure everyone at Apple feels welcome, respected and valued.
Apple is open. Open to everyone, no matter where they come from, which language they speak, who they love or how they worship. Our employees represent the finest talent in the world, and our team hails from every corner of the globe.
In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, "We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now."
Tim