Tim Cook Addresses Immigration Concerns
Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook expressed that he is “deeply distraught” by the current US immigration approach and intends to continue addressing the issue with lawmakers, according to a source. During a meeting with staff on Thursday, Cook remarked that some employees feel unsafe even when stepping outside their homes. “I’ve heard from some of you that you don’t feel comfortable leaving your homes,” he stated. “No one should feel this way.” No one. He emphasized that immigration is of significant importance to Apple, as a considerable number of employees in the US are working on visas. “For as long as I can remember, we have been a smarter, wiser, more innovative company because we’ve attracted the best and brightest from all corners of the world,” Cook stated. “I will persist in advocating to lawmakers regarding this matter. You have my word on that.” Cook’s remarks follow his statements made weeks earlier regarding the tragic shooting of a healthcare worker during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The incident sparked protests and brought renewed attention to federal agencies.
Last month, Alex Pretti was shot dead by a US Border Patrol agent. The killing elicited significant responses from civil rights organizations and professional associations, notably the National Basketball Players Association. In an internal memo to employees, which was subsequently made public, Cook expressed that he was shaken by the incident and urged for calm. “This is a time for de-escalation,” he stated. “I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect, no matter who they are or where they’re from.” Following the circulation of the memo, certain employees expressed their discontent with Cook, asserting that the company’s response was insufficient and delayed. In a follow-up address to staff on Thursday, Cook reiterated his message. “Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” he stated. “No matter where they originate.” He also addressed an employee’s concerns regarding deportation and the potential separation from their daughter. In reference to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme, Cook stated that Apple employs hundreds of DACA workers. “I will personally advocate for you,” he stated. “I am a strong advocate for the programme.”
In addition to immigration, Cook addressed Apple’s forthcoming products and the significance of artificial intelligence. He stated that forthcoming devices would increasingly leverage AI and characterized it as a significant opportunity, according to a source. “AI is one of the most profound opportunities of our entire lifetime,” he stated. “I truly believe there is no company better positioned to let our customers use AI in profound and meaningful ways than Apple.” Addressing worries regarding competitors introducing new AI-driven devices, Cook stated, “There will be new categories of products and services that are enabled through AI… We are enthusiastic about the possibilities that it presents for Apple. Cook briefly discussed the leadership transitions occurring within the company. Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, along with the head of environmental affairs and the general counsel, have all disclosed their intentions to retire in the coming months.
He stated that these exits were planned and “not surprises.” Although he did not reference other recent departures, Cook emphasized that succession planning is a crucial aspect of leadership. “This is an important part of leadership, is thinking about these things and having plans in place,” he stated. “You know, when people reach a certain age, some will choose to retire,” Cook added. “This is kind of a natural thing.” Cook also addressed the ongoing global shortage of memory chips, stating, “It’s a real concern for the industry.” He stated that Apple Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan is closely overseeing the matter. “The top thing is we have the best team in the world dealing with this,” Cook stated. “We have a range of options that we’re looking at and will deploy in order to work around it. It is a real issue.”
