Apple CEO Tim Cook told employees that he will continue lobbying the U.S. government on immigration, calling the current approach deeply troubling for both people and the country. He made the remarks during an all-hands meeting, where he addressed growing concerns among Apple staff, especially those affected by visa policies and immigration enforcement.
Cook said immigration sits at the heart of Apple’s success. He explained that the company became stronger and more innovative by welcoming talent from around the world. According to him, Apple relies on team members across the United States who work on different types of visas. Because of that, immigration policy is not an abstract issue for the company. It directly affects employees, their families, and their sense of safety.
He also acknowledged the fear some employees feel in their daily lives. Cook said he has heard from workers who no longer feel comfortable leaving their homes. He stressed that no one should live with that kind of fear and promised to keep raising these concerns with lawmakers.
Support for DACA and employees
Cook reiterated his strong support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly known as DACA. He said Apple employs hundreds of workers under the program and made his stance personal. During the meeting, he told DACA recipients that he stands with them and will personally advocate on their behalf. He described himself as a strong believer in the program and said these employees are valued members of the Apple team.
Response to recent immigration violence
Earlier, Cook sent a company-wide memo after two people were killed by U.S. federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. In that message, he said he felt heartbroken and called for de-escalation. He added that America works best when it treats everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of background or origin. Cook also said Apple has long supported these values and will continue to do so.
As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Cook expanded on that memo during the meeting and said he had discussed the issue directly with President Donald Trump. The report also noted that some employees criticized Cook for responding too late and not strongly enough after the shootings.
During the discussion, Cook responded to an employee worried about deportation and family separation. He reassured them of his support and repeated his commitment to speak up. He also briefly touched on Apple’s artificial intelligence work and upcoming devices, but immigration remained the clear focus of the meeting.
Overall, Cook framed immigration as both a moral issue and a business reality. He told employees they have his word that he will keep pushing for change.
