Zuckerberg to Trump: We open our doors to refugees, that is who we are

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook co-founder, has written to US President Donald Trump, expressing “concern” over the executive order which temporarily suspended intake of refugees.

Trump’s order had also stopped the issuing of visas to citizens of some Muslim nations.

Zuckerberg, in a Facebook post, shed light on how personally affected he was by the decision of Trump.

He reminded Trump that America had a longstanding tradition of helping nations in need, and said the country could benefit from “people of great talent” that he will be shutting out.

Zuckerberg noted that the US is a nation of immigrants and should be proud to be.

He wrote in part: “My great grandparents came from Germany, Austria and Poland. Priscilla’s parents were refugees from China and Vietnam. The United States is a nation of immigrants, and we should be proud of that.

“Like many of you, I’m concerned about the impact of the recent executive orders signed by President Trump. We need to keep this country safe, but we should do that by focusing on people who actually pose a threat.

“Expanding the focus of law enforcement beyond people who are real threats would make all Americans less safe by diverting resources, while millions of undocumented folks who don’t pose a threat will live in fear of deportation.

“We should also keep our doors open to refugees and those who need help. That’s who we are. Had we turned away refugees a few decades ago, Priscilla’s family wouldn’t be here today.

“I’m also glad the President believes our country should continue to benefit from “people of great talent coming into the country. These issues are personal for me even beyond my family. A few years ago, I taught a class at a local middle school where some of my best students were undocumented.

“They are our future too. We are a nation of immigrants, and we all benefit when the best and brightest from around the world can live, work and contribute here.”