Large tech companies have welcomed Biden’s immigration reform whereas the travel industry expressed opposition to his compulsory quarantine order.
US President Joe Biden signed several executive orders within a few hours of his inauguration on Wednesday. Biden’s actions are aimed at accelerating US pandemic response, reversing immigration policies, returning to Paris climate accords, promoting diversity to restore federal efforts, and economic recovery. These decisions have received varied reactions from different industries.
Tech giants like Apple, Twitter and Google have welcomed Biden’s decisions to lift the immigration ban from predominantly Muslim countries, extension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and the new immigration bill.
In a statement on Wednesday, Apple CEO Tim Cook said: “We welcome President Biden’s commitment to pursuing comprehensive immigration reform that reflects the American values of justice, fairness, and dignity. This effort will strengthen American communities and the pathways to the opportunity this country has long fostered.”
Twitter also appreciated the move while it posted that the executive order provides hope for Dreamers and added that the company will continue supporting policies that recognize the contributions of immigrants. Dreamers include the young people who arrived in the United States illegally as children, agricultural workers, and people under temporary protective status. Under Biden’s immigration bill, dreamers could qualify more immediately for green cards if they are in school, working, or meet other requirements.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai also praised Biden’s immigration reform, quick response on Covid-19 relief, and Paris climate accord.
While many applauded Biden’s orders regarding climate change, one of the orders has created major disappointment for some. The order, which halted construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would have carried crude oil from Canada through the United States has put Canada’s oil sector in a tight spot. Canadian Prime Minister expressed disappointment but stuck to a conciliatory tone.
Biden’s executive order signed on Thursday requires international passengers to test before boarding the flight and quarantine upon landing in the United States has also not been completely welcomed. On Friday, groups representing the US travel industry and airlines expressed opposition to mandatory quarantine order. They stated that quarantining passengers “could be extremely difficult to enforce and often prove ineffective.”
US Travel Association Chief Executive Roger Dow said in a statement that the group does not think making testing mandatory before domestic travel is “feasible or viable.”
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