*Yesterday I received a message from Uber founder and CEO, Travis Kalanick. As a member of his Uber driving team, it’s not rare to receive messages from “Travis” but this one was especially sensitive because it is in response to something…or should I say someone… that has our entire country up in arms right now.
Donald Trump and his “Temporary Immigration Travel Ban.”
As is the case with any entrepreneur, any businessman, such a dramatic stance as Trump’s decision to halt all movement of immigrants coming to this country; and threatening to stop those who reside here but travel back home from returning not only has devastating humanistic effects, but profound effects on business as well.
Many Uber staff members are immigrants — drivers and technicians.
But the email is in direct support of drivers.?So Uber has decided to take a stand and assist those affected by the ban.
No matter what some will call a hidden agenda, (hey, he’s a businessman but does that make him any less human?) I already applaud the gesture.
Here is the email I received from Travis Kalanick.
Dear Me:
At Uber we have always believed in standing up for what’s right. Today we need your help supporting drivers who may be impacted by president Trump’s new immigration ban.
Drivers who are citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen and live in the U. S. but have left the country, will not be able to return for 90 days. This means they won’t be able to earn money and support their families during this period.
Its important that as a community we do everything we can to help these drivers. Here’s what Uber will do.
- Provide 24/7 legal support for drivers who are trying to get back into the country. Our lawyers and immigration experts will be on call 24/7 to help.
- Compensate drivers?for their lost earnings. This will help them support their families and put food on the table while they are banned from the US.
- Urge the government?to reinstate the right of US residents to travel–whatever their country of origin–immediately.
- Create a?$3 milion legal defense fund?to help drivers with immigration and translation services
If you are a driver or friend or family member of someone who has been affected please contact us here (there is a link, but it is not inserted in this article.)
Uber is a community. We’re here to support each other. Please help Uber to help drivers who may be affected by this unjust and wrong immigration ban.
Travis
Uber Founder & CEO
What do you think of Uber’s actions here?
