Airbnb offers free housing to refugees affected by Trump’s executive order

The executive order signed by Donald Trump on Friday left many in dismay and stranded. The immigration ban prohibits travellers from seven countries which include Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen from entering the USA for 90 days. This travel ban abruptly terminates the 120 days USA refugee programme.

Many, travelling to the USA with visas were detained on arrival while others boarding overseas flights to the USA were turned away.

In his first week as president, Trump aggravated thousands of people who gathered at airports in solidarity of those detained.

According to TechCrunch, Airbnb has taken the initiative to offer free housing to refugees. The offer is for those who have been negatively impacted by the order. The online housing company offers a immigration support platform for refugees to sign up and receive assistance as well as an opportunity for good Samaritans who are willing to offer a helping hand to those in distress.

The company’s chief executive, Brian Chesky, went as far as posting on twitter saying ” Airbnb is providing free housing to refugees and anyone not allowed in the US,” he tweeted. “Stay tuned for more, contact me if urgent need for housing.”

Speaking on the matter, Airbnb spokesperson said, “Our focus is on providing housing to people who have been negatively impacted by President Trump’s executive order, particularly people who were traveling to the U.S. and are now stranded,” a spokesperson said. “We are responding to requests from individuals who have reached out to us directly and we are also working with relief organizations to further identify people in need of temporary housing due to the travel ban.”

Other tech giants executives such as the CEO of Apple, chief executive of Nextflix and chief executive of Facebook are among those who have spoken out disregarding the ban.

Staff Writer