Google, Facebook criticise Trump's immigration order against Muslim-majority countries
Los Angeles : Both Google and Facebook on Saturday criticised President Donald Trump's controversial immigration order against people from seven Muslim-majority countries.
In different interviews, Sundar Pichai and Mark Zuckerberg raised concern over the issue and said that it will create "barriers" to bringing great talent to the US.
On Saturday, Google also ordered its travelling staff to return to America. In an email to staff, India-born CEO Sundar Pichai said the US ban on foreign nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries will hit at least 187 Google employees.
He added, "We're upset about the impact of this order and any proposals that could impose restrictions on Googlers and their families, or that could create barriers to bringing great talent to the US. It is painful to see the personal cost of this executive order on our colleagues. Our first order of business is to help Googlers who are affected. If you're abroad and need help please reach out to our global security team. We wouldn't wish this fear and uncertainty on anyone- and especially not our fellow Googlers. In times of uncertainty, our values remain the best guide.
BBC reported that Google has recalled around 100 of its affected staff from overseas.
Meanwhile, Zuckerberg in a lengthy Facebook post wrote, “Like many of you, I'm concerned about the impact of the recent executive orders signed by President Trump. We need to keep this country safe, but we should do that by focusing on people who actually pose a threat," the Facebook CEO continued. "Expanding the focus of law enforcement beyond people who are real threats would make all Americans less safe by diverting resources, while millions of undocumented folks who don't pose a threat will live in fear of deportation."
President Trump on Friday ordered "extreme vetting" of people entering the US from seven Muslim-majority countries and banned the entry of Syrian refugees until further notice, as part of new measures to "keep radical Islamic terrorists" out of America. The countries impacted are Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia.
Microsoft has also warned its shareholders that curbs on immigration could have a material impact on its business.
