Following The Immigration Ban, Starbucks Says It Will Employ 10,000 Refugees Around The World

Following President Donald Trump’s order which prohibits refugees from seven countries immigrating to the US, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has announced that Starbucks will employ 10,000 refugees across the world in the coming years.

The Background

On January 27^th, President Trump issued an immigration order which would halt refugees from Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen – all countries with a Muslim majority – coming into the US.

The order came into effect immediately and will continue for at least 120 days. The move has met with criticism from within the US itself and across the world; American allies Germany and Canada have expressed concern and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau announced that refugees were welcome in Canada.

Starbucks’ Initiative

On its part, Starbucks has assured employees affected by the ban that it will do  “everything possible to support and help them to navigate through this confusing period.”

In a letter to Starbucks’ employees posted on its website, CEO Schultz days “I write to you today with deep concern, a heavy heart and a resolute promise. 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.”

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“(Starbucks will) neither stand by, nor stand silent as the uncertainty around the new Administration’s actions grows with each passing day,” he continued. “This is why we are doubling down on this commitment by working with our equity market employees as well as joint venture and licensed market partners in a concerted effort to welcome and seek opportunities for those fleeing war, violence, persecution and discrimination.”

Shultz went on to say that the chain will employ 10,000 employees over 5 years in the 75 countries it has a presence in. It will also strengthen its business in Mexico which provides jobs to over 7000 Mexicans. “We stand ready to help and support our Mexican customers, partners and their families as they navigate what impact proposed trade sanctions, immigration restrictions and taxes might have on their business and their trust of Americans. But we will continue to invest in this critically important market all the same,” Shultz said.

Finally, he announced that they will make good healthcare coverage a priority for their partners following President Trumps plan to stop Obamacare.