We just joined 96 companies in filing the Brief of Technology Companies and other Businesses as Amicus Curiae in Support of Appellees in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, opposing the Executive Order barring entry from and revoking visas from citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries. We did this for a number of reasons, but most importantly because this order is contrary to American values and what truly makes America great.
This friend-of-the-court brief explains to the court why we, the business community, are concerned with the legality and the effects of this order. The companies that we have joined with today are not parties to this case, but together we recognize its importance and are making sure the court hears from us.
There are many reasons this executive order is unlawful and unconstitutional, and the amicus brief, as well as the lawsuits themselves, make that argument in court. This order is also contrary to our values as a team and the standards we set for ourselves. It judges people based on the accident of the location of their birth rather than any merit as individuals.
It is also a personal honor to fight this. As a lawyer, I swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States of America. Lawyers across the country are holding true to that oath and standing up to these Executive Orders. Like many of my fellow team members at Mapbox and community members, I am also an immigrant. This has been a tough week for many of us - and too many people are scared. These are troubling times. But those of us who can take a stand, must. I have never been prouder to be a lawyer or an immigrant than now, and I am glad that so many of us are standing.
Mapbox will continue to take action to protect our team and our values. We will update this post as we take additional steps.