If you tuned in to the news over the weekend, you might have felt like you were watching a real-life drama unfold. Amid executive orders that barred individuals from certain Muslim-majority countries—including those holding visas and green cards—the situation for many refugees fleeing war-torn areas like Syria became increasingly dire. Some faced being turned away at airports, while others landed only to find themselves detained. It was a truly heart-wrenching sight.
Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, there were moments that restored a bit of faith. From lawyers volunteering their time on airport floors to help those detained, to taxi drivers in New York City halting their services at JFK in protest, the spirit of solidarity was palpable. And then came the announcement from Starbucks: the coffee giant plans to hire 10,000 refugees over the next five years.
Howard Green, Starbucks’ Chairman and CEO, crafted a memo for employees addressing the troubling executive orders and laying out the coffee chain’s commitment to employing refugees—starting with those who have served alongside U.S. troops as interpreters and support staff.
Starbucks isn’t the only corporation to push back against the Muslim ban; tech giants like Google and Twitter have voiced their opposition. Moreover, the CEO of Global Electronics, Mark Leary, expressed his concerns in a memo, emphasizing the company’s ties to the affected regions. However, Green’s memo took it a step further by also reaffirming support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which aids undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children, helping them pursue education and job opportunities.
As Green stated, Starbucks is “committed to supporting our Mexican clients and team members, along with their families.” He articulated the unprecedented nature of our times, remarking on the questioning of the American dream and the need for new forms of communication and support. “We exist to uplift and nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time,” he assured, “and that will never change. You have my word on that.”
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In summary, Starbucks’ bold commitment to hire 10,000 refugees highlights a compassionate response to challenging times, showcasing corporate responsibility and the importance of community support.