Microsoft asks Trump for exceptions on immigration ban

Microsoft on Thursday said it had sent a proposal to US President Donald Trump’s administration to create a programme to let people from seven predominantly Muslim nations enter and leave the United States on business or family emergency travel if they hold a valid work or student visa and have not committed any crimes.

In a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Microsoft President Brad Smith outlined a programme for case-by-case review of exceptions to a travel ban instituted last week for “Responsible Known Travelers with Pressing Needs.”

The proposal argues that the secretaries have the power to grant exceptions to the travel ban under the order issued last week by President Trump.

Technology companies including Microsoft, Google owner Alphabet, Apple and Amazon.com have been vocal in their opposition to Trump’s order, arguing that they rely on workers from around the world to create their products and services.

Amazon and Expedia filed declarations of support on Monday in a legal challenge by the Washington state Attorney General to the order. Microsoft said on Thursday that 76 of its employees and 41 dependents were affected by the travel ban.