A lot of Uber customers are deleting the app and downloading Lyft after after drivers tried to pick up passengers during a taxi strike. The NY Taxi Workers Alliance asked all drivers to avoid JFK airport on Saturday in order to protest against President Trump’s executive order barring travelers from Iran and six other major Muslim countries.
Uber must have felt the backlash because they released a statement saying:
At Uber we’ve always believed in standing up for what’s right. Today we need your help supporting drivers who may be impacted by President Trump’s new immigration ban.
Drivers who are citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen and live in the US but have left the country, will not be able to return for 90 days. This means they won’t be able to earn money and support their families during this period.
It’s important that as a community we do everything we can to help these drivers. Here’s what Uber will do:
Provide 24/7 legal support for drivers who are trying to get back into the country. Our lawyers and immigration experts will be on call 24/7 to help.
Compensate drivers for their lost earnings. This will help them support their families and put food on the table while they are banned from the US.
Urge the government to reinstate the right of US residents to travel—whatever their country of origin—immediately.
Create a $3 million legal defense fund to help drivers with immigration and translation services.
If you are a driver or a friend or family member of someone who has been affected, please contact us here.
Uber is a community. We’re here to support each other. Please help Uber to help drivers who may be affected by this unjust and wrong immigration ban.
