Trump's Anti-Immigration Policy Faces Unified Backlash from US IT Company CEOs

Apple CEO Tim Cook "Deeply Disappointed by Trump Administration's Anti-Immigration Policy"

Estimated 220,000 People Banned from Entry Due to Anti-Immigration Policy

▲Tim Cook, Apple Chief Executive Officer (CEO) [Image source=AP News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] U.S. Silicon Valley IT companies such as Google, Amazon, Apple, and Tesla have collectively criticized President Donald Trump's anti-immigration policy. Earlier, President Trump signed an executive order to suspend certain work visas, including the H-1B visa for highly skilled professionals and the L-1 visa used to transfer employees from overseas to the U.S., until the end of this year. IT companies, which are a driving force of U.S. growth, strongly opposed the move, saying it hinders talent acquisition.

On the 23rd (local time), Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, stated on Twitter, "Immigration policy has greatly contributed to America's economic growth and has been the driving force behind our ability to become a global leader in technology." He added, "Google has grown benefiting from such immigration policies." Pichai himself is an immigrant born in India. He expressed disappointment with the Trump administration's anti-immigration policy and said, "We will continue to work with immigrants to expand opportunities for everyone."

Apple CEO Tim Cook also expressed disappointment with the Trump administration's anti-immigration policy. On Twitter, Cook wrote, "Like Apple, this country’s strength lies in its diversity, and there is hope in the enduring promise of the 'American Dream.' Without all of this, there will be no new prosperity, and I am deeply disappointed by the Trump administration's anti-immigration policy."

The reason IT company CEOs are pushing back is because of the H-1B visa. This visa is essential for recruiting overseas talent in Silicon Valley. The White House explained that this executive order is a measure to help the U.S. economy recover and protect jobs, but it was insufficient to stop the CEOs' backlash.

Amazon, which received the most H-1B visas in Silicon Valley last year, criticized President Trump's executive order in a statement as a "very short-sighted policy." Amazon sharply stated, "Blocking the entry of highly skilled professionals jeopardizes America's global competitiveness."

The Internet Association (IA), whose members include Google, Amazon, eBay, and Facebook, also issued a statement that day, saying, "Diverse and talented H-1B visa holders in the U.S. create jobs and help economic growth," and "All industries benefit from the visa system."

According to the Migration Policy Institute, up to 219,000 workers are estimated to be banned from entering the U.S. by the end of this year due to President Trump's executive order.

The Washington Post (WP) reported, "This measure is a direct blow to the IT industry, which relies on H-1B to hire foreign engineers." It is known that IT companies have been lobbying for years to be exempted from immigration programs that President Trump sought to suspend or restrict.