Why We Wrote to President Trump

Julie Samuels, Executive Director

Today, we sent a letter signed by more than 400 New York City tech leaders and investors to President Trump opposing his recent executive orders suspending entry for citizens of certain countries and limiting the refugee program. We believe that the President’s actions threaten the diversity and inclusivity that we most treasure about NYC and our nation. 

As the scope of individuals who were being detained at airports and pulled off U.S.-bound planes around the world became clear on Saturday evening, we knew that our organization—and our community—had an obligation to make our voices heard. On Sunday, in a 12-hour period, more than 400 CEOs and investors eagerly agreed to join us. After adding their names, many shared personal stories of immigrant founders and their families, friends, and employees.

Can and must we do more? Absolutely. This letter is just the beginning of our work to ensure that our city, our state, and our nation remain open to those who need and want to be here, not least of all because we need and want them here just as badly. As we said in our letter:

America has long provided homes and futures to millions who dared to share in our collective dream. There is nowhere this is more true than New York City—home to Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and more foreign-born immigrants than any other city in the world. Your executive orders suspending entry for citizens of certain countries, even those who currently have legal status, along with limiting the refugee program, threaten those immigrants who are our current and future neighbors, friends, colleagues, customers, and even bosses. Their presence is a crucial ingredient that sets New York City apart and a fundamental reason why we have all chosen to build our careers and companies here.

You can add your name to the letter here.