Microsoft asks US Government for exception to Trump’s US entry ban order

3 min. read

Published onFebruary 2, 2017

published onFebruary 2, 2017

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Brad Smith, President and Chief Legal Officer for Microsoft, has been hard at work since this last weekend. In light of President Trump’s executive order last Friday to restrict travel, the tech giant has decided to propose a request for exceptions (viaSeattle Times.)

This isn’t too far beyond the pale. After all, the executive order gives the right to Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to grant exceptions.

As of today, Microsoft has filed aformal requestto allow “Responsible Known Travellers with Pressing Needs” entrance into the country. These individuals are defined by a list of criteria to travel if:

It is obvious that Microsoft feels strongly about the global reach of knowledge and technology, particularly when it comes to their own. The company, as we know, has many branches across the globe and air travel is simply part of the routine. But since the executive order, almost 76 employees were affected.

In the proposal, Smith even explained that for many of these individuals have already vetted by the U.S. government to apply for the nonimmigrant visas in the first place. Much of the evaluation process includes a background check by the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) and any unresolved anomalies result in an application decline.

The Microsoft statement did clearly express that national security is important, as is the need of allowing these individuals that fill ‘critical roles in the organizations that employ them’. They also make an argument that foreign students pursuing an education in the United States should be in consideration.

The full formal request can be read online.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft asks US Government for exception to Trump’s US entry ban order#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft asks US Government for exception to Trump’s US entry ban order