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Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, And 94 Other Tech Companies File Brief Opposing Immigration Ban
The Trump administration's temporary immigration ban has been loudly protested by a number of voices within the games industry, but that's just a small segment of the overall tech world. Yesterday, 97 tech companies filed a brief with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in support of a lawsuit that claims that the executive order is unconstitutional.
The amicus brief was signed by companies including Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Kickstarter, Netflix, Reddit, and more. The filing cites the contributions that immigrants have made in the United States, including Nikoli Tesla's work with alternating-current electricity and Charles Feltman's invention of the hot dog. It's in support of a federal suit filed by Washington state Attorney General, Bob Ferguson.
"The Order effects a sudden shift in the rules governing entry into the United States, and is inflicting substantial harm on U.S. companies," the brief says. "It hinders the ability of American companies to attract great talent; increases costs imposed on business; makes it more difficult for American firms to compete in the international marketplace; and gives global enterprises a new, significant incentive to build operations – and hire new employees – outside the United States."
Later, the brief addresses security: "Of course, the federal government can and should implement targeted, appropriate adjustments to the nation's immigration system to enhance the Nation's security. But a broad, open-ended ban – together with an indication that the ban could be expanded to other countries without notice – does not fit the goal of making the country more secure. Instead, it will undermine American interests."
[Source: USA Today]
Our Take
Regardless of your opinion on the recent events regarding immigration – and there is a wide spectrum of thought – it's increasingly clear that the tech industry sees these restrictions as a threat.
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