In the past few days, President Donald Trump's executive order keeping refugees and citizens of majority-Muslim nations from coming into the United States has ben met with much protest. Many were detained at airports and checkpoints, unable to enter since Friday afternoon. Starbucks has since responded to Trump's ban with some action of their own.

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, announced in a public statement that the company will hire 10,000 individuals in the 75 countries that Starbucks is located in. The act is a concerted effort to welcome and find job opportunities for those escaping war, violence, persecution, and discrimination.

We are living in an unprecedented time, one in which we are witness to the conscience of our country, and the promise of the American Dream, being called into question. These uncertain times call for different measures and communication tools than we have used in the past.

Starbucks is currently developing plans to make those hires happen, which is slated to be completed over the next five years. The coffee company will first focus on individuals who served with US troops as interpreters and support personnel.

If there is any lesson to be learned over the last year, it’s that your voice and your vote matter more than ever. We are all obligated to ensure our elected officials hear from us individually and collectively.

Glad to see behemoth companies like Starbucks taking a stance in times like these.