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Airbnb offering free housing to people stranded by Trump travel ban

Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s CEO, took to twitter on Sunday announcing the decision about the free housing.

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Airbnb have announced that they will provide free housing to detainees and travelers who will be affected by Trump’s immigration and refugee ban, CNBC reports. AirBnB chief executive Brain Chesky tweeted that anyone in need of housing could contact him directly.

Yesterday Trump signed an executive order to indefinitely ban incoming Syrian refugees and limit the flow of people coming from the Muslim majority countries of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia.

Google has recalled US-based staff now travelling overseas, with the executive order extending to USA residents with green cards and work visas.

In addition the order also temporarily places a ban on entry into the U.S. of any person from seven countries: Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Less clear is how many non-tech companies with sprawling global operations will join the chorus. The suspension is supposedly to provide time to review vetting systems before refugees are allowed to enter the US.

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On his Facebook page, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick said his company wold create $3 million legal defense fund and 24/7 legal support, compensate drivers for lost earnings, and urge Trump to “reinstate the right of US residents to travel – whatever their country of origin – immediately”. It also said it would create a $3 million legal defense fund to help drivers with immigration and translation services, since many of its drivers, much like the taxi drivers in NY, for instance, are foreigners. Some UK citizens – including at least one MP – born in those countries may also be affected should they wish to visit the US. The ban will be in place for 90 days and has affected thousands. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength”, Trudeau posted on Twitter. This specific program asks hosts to offer housing for people who were displaced by natural disasters and also to aid workers.

UPDATED: People Are at JFK Protesting Trump's Executive Order Banning Refugees and Muslims