Diversity + Immigration

Yesterday evening, we sent the email below to all Okta employees, and wanted to share it with our customers and partners here.

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Hi Everyone,

On Friday, the Trump Administration issued an executive order that halts refugee immigration and bans immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days. Since then, we’ve seen bravery from lawyers fighting for American rights, judges issuing stays on the order, and protesters giving a voice to those who need one. In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to monitor how other proposed changes from the Trump Administration may affect our employees, Okta, and the broader tech industry.

This is an incredibly important issue to both Freddy and me personally, to Okta, and I know it’s important to all of you. So many of us are families of immigrants, and many of the most innovative American technology companies have been built by immigrant founders, children of immigrants and countless employees from other countries: Apple, Google, Tesla and Intel are just a few of the giants that come to mind.

Speaking our mind on this issue is important, but actions are even more important. In the coming days, as the immigration policy under this administration unfolds, here’s what you’ll see from the team at Okta:

  • Help in the form of immigration counseling for any employee impacted now and in the future.
  • Government advocacy and public advocacy.
  • Review of our own employees and their families who may be impacted now and in the future.
  • Okta is donating $10,000 to the ACLU, and Freddy and I will personally match any donation made by an Okta employee to the ACLU over the next month. Send a screenshot of your receipt to nowallnoban [at] okta [dot] com.

Diversity of thought and experience are fundamental values at Okta, that includes religious beliefs, gender diversity, sexual orientation and political views. No matter who you voted for, our opposition to this policy is not just about our business — it is also about our belief in the American freedoms and protections that have made our country so innovative and accepting of those most in need.

In the coming days, please feel free to reach out with questions, ideas and concerns. Please contact people [at] okta [dot] com for any immigration employment needs.

Todd + Frederic