Apple backs legal brief against Trump’s travel ban

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Yeah, we're pretty incredulous about your ideas, too, Mr. Trump.
Apple has clashed with President Trump previously.
Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr CC

Apple has joined 96 other tech companies signing a legal brief against President Donald Trump’s executive order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries.

The amicus brief, which was filed late Sunday night in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, makes the argument that immigrants are vital for both society and the economy.

“Immigrants make many of the Nation’s greatest discoveries, and create some of the country’s most innovative and iconic companies,” says the brief, which was also signed by Facebook, Airbnb, Netflix, Google, Intel and Uber. “America has long recognized the importance of protecting ourselves against those who would do us harm. But it has done so while maintaining our fundamental commitment to welcoming immigrants—through increased background checks and other controls on people seeking to enter our country.”

Trump’s controversial executive order temporarily bars people from seven countries from entering the United States, as well as halting all immigration for 120 days. It was suspended Friday by a U.S. District Court judge, although the White House has already said it will appeal the decision.

As with much of the rest of Silicon Valley, Apple has been staunchly opposed to the executive order from the start. Soon after it was announced, Tim Cook noted that Apple employees affected by the ban will be able to draw on Apple’s expert HR, legal and security teams. On Friday, the company also lent its support to an open letter opposing the executive order.

Trump’s administration is reported to be currently working on a new executive order compelling companies to prioritize American workers over international ones.

Source: Bloomberg

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