Starbucks CEO announces plan to hire 10,000 refugees in 75 countries

In response to Donald Trump’s executive order banning immigrants from seven Muslim majority countries, Starbucks’ CEO announced a plan to hire thousands of refugees over the next 5 years.

According to memo sent out to employees this Sunday, Howard Schultz announced that the coffee chain will hire 10,000 refugees in 75 countries.

“We are living in an unprecedented time, one in which we are witness to the conscience of our country, and the promise of the American Dream, being called into question,” Schultz wrote in the statement. “These uncertain times call for different measures and communication tools than we have used in the past.”

Schultz characterized the move as response to the Trump administration during these times of “uncertainty.”

“There are more than 65 million citizens of the world recognized as refugees by the United Nations, and we are developing plans to hire 10,000 of them over five years in the 75 countries around the world where Starbucks does business,” Schultz wrote.

Schultz said the effort would begin in the U.S. by hiring refugees who worked for the U.S. Military. 

“We are in business to inspire and nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time – whether that neighborhood is in a Red State or a Blue State; a Christian country or a Muslim country; a divided nation or a united nation,” Schultz wrote. “That will not change. You have my word on that.”

Schultz’s plan comes as thousands of protesters rally around the country in opposition to Trump’s ban, which also places a 120-day ban on refugees from Syria.

Featured image via Facebook

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