As U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration ban continues to spark great controversy worldwide, Starbucks pledges to hire 10,000 refugees over the next five years.
This decision is in response to Trump's order to indefinitely suspend the Syrian refugee program, as well as the temporary immigration ban that prohibits travelers from six other predominantly Muslim nations from entering the United States.
The immigration ban has already left many travelers stranded at airports, unable to enter the United States, and public outcry ensued. People rallied in protest at airports nationwide, as well as abroad.
Major U.S. companies have taken a firm stance against the executive order and their leaders have spoken out against the immigration ban that could be detrimental to a number of U.S. industries.
Starbucks' Response To Trump Executive Order
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has now published a letter to employees, announcing plans to hire 10,000 refugees at stores worldwide. The new hires will occur over the next five years and will start in the United States, focusing on employing immigrants "who have served with U.S. troops as interpreters and support personnel."
Schultz further addresses other matters on Trump's agenda, such as ditching Barack Obama's health care law (Obamacare) and overhauling trade with Mexico. With this in mind, Schultz says that Starbucks would provide health insurance to eligible employees should the health care law be repealed, and help support Mexican coffee growers in order to build "bridges, not walls."
At the same time, Starbucks plans to support the DACA immigration program from when Obama was still president, allowing young immigrants who entered the country when they were children to apply for a work permit and a two-year pass from deportation.
Opposing Trump Immigration Ban
"I write to you today with deep concern, a heavy heart and a resolute promise, Schultz writes in his letter.
The Starbucks CEO goes on to mention the surprise, confusion and opposition to Trump's executive order, which left the world in dismay, and says that the company's Partner Resources team is doing all it can to help and support partners who are affected by this immigration ban.
"We are living in an unprecedented time, one in which we are witness to the conscience of our country, and the promise of the American Dream, being called into question," Schultz adds.
Civility And Human Rights Under Attack
"I am hearing the alarm you all are sounding that the civility and human rights we have all taken for granted for so long are under attack," reckons the CEO, promising better communication to address such matters.
Starbucks pledges to keep offering work opportunities to people trying to escape war, violence, discrimination and persecution, and Trump's executive order will not stand in the way. The company says it will stay true to its values and continue to do everything it can to provide "a Third Place of respite" for people from around the world.
Schultz ends his letter by reminding people that their voice, vote and opinion matter more than ever, and officials should hear what people have to say collectively and individually.
