Apple’s Cook vows to lobby lawmakers on immigration issue

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Cook said that Apple has hundreds of DACA workers. “I will personally advocate for you,” he said. “I am a huge believer in the program.”Cook said that Apple has hundreds of DACA workers. “I will personally advocate for you,” he said. “I am a huge believer in the program.” Photo by Ludovic MARIN/AFP via Getty Images/Postmedia files

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Apple Inc. chief executive Tim Cook told employees that he’s “deeply distraught” with the United States’ current approach to immigration and will continue pressing the issue with lawmakers.

Financial Post

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“I’ve heard from some of you that don’t feel comfortable leaving your homes,” Cook said during an all-hands meeting with staff on Thursday. “No one should feel this way. No one.”

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The CEO added that immigration is especially important to Apple, which has “team members across the U.S. on some form of Visa.”

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“For as long as I can remember, we have been a smarter, wiser, more innovative company because we’ve attracted the best and brightest from all corners of the world,” he said. “I am going to continue to lobby lawmakers on this issue. You have my word on that.”

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The remarks expanded on a memo that Cook released last week, when he said he was “heartbroken” by events in Minneapolis, where U.S. immigration agents have killed two people in recent weeks.

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“This is a time for deescalation,” Cook said at the time. He also said he had discussed the matter with President Donald Trump.

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“Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” the CEO during Thursday’s meeting. “No matter where they come from.”

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After Cook’s initial memo was released, employees privately criticized Cook for his limited and late response to the shootings. The executive also responded to an employee who said during the meeting that they are concerned about being deported and separated from their daughter.

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Cook said, “I love you if you’re on DACA,” referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that allows people who came to the U.S. as a child to remain in the country on a work permit. He said that Apple has hundreds of DACA workers. “I will personally advocate for you,” he said. “I am a huge believer in the program.”

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During the meeting, Cook also discussed the company’s artificial intelligence efforts and teased upcoming devices running the new technology.

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