Our faith in humanity is restored. The online home sharing network service Airbnb has announced that they will be offering free accommodation to detainees and travelers who are affected by the United States President Donald Trump's travel restrictions.
Brian Chesky, the Airbnb chief executive, made the announcement on Sunday as the company joins others in protesting Trump's executive order which blocked citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S for 90 days. The banned countries are Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, and Libya. Citizens include refugees and people who hold valid visas or permanent residence permits. The order also sees it that refugees from anywhere in the world are banned for 120 days, and gives priority admission to Christians.
The news has been leaving the world in shock, and tech companies which employ foreign workers are clamoring that the ban is immoral and un-American. One of the vocal CEOs is Brian Chesky who took to Twitter to air out his disappointment.
"Not allowing countries or refugees into America is not right and we must stand with those who are affected," said Chesky in a tweet. In another Twitter post, Chesky announced their generous offer, "Airbnb is providing free housing to refugees and anyone not allowed in the US. Stayed tuned for more, contact me if urgent need for housing."
According to Chesky, they have 3 million homes where places to stay for refugees and people in need who were denied the ability to board US-bound flights. There is currently no other detail about how the plan is going to be implemented aside from Chesky asking the people in need to reach out to him directly.
Other tech heads who voiced out about the ban include Netflix Inc. chief executive, Reed Hastings who said it was a "sad week" and called to link arms together to "protect American values of freedom and opportunity."; CEO Tim Cook who forwarded a letter to employees saying that the new order was "not a policy we support."
