Apple CEO Tim Cook makes a promise to employees on immigration in Townhall: I am going to continue to lobby lawmakers on this issue. No one should ...

Apple CEO Tim Cook has told his employees during a town hall meeting on (February 5) that he is ‘deeply distraught’ by the present US approach to immigration and he has also promised to continue pressing lawmakers for reform.

“I’ve heard from some of you that don’t feel comfortable leaving your homes,” Cook said. “No one should feel this way. No one.” Cook also stressed on the fact that immigration is central to Apple’s success, noting that many of its US-based team members are on visas. “For as long as I can remember, we have been a smarter, wiser, more innovative company because we’ve attracted the best and brightest from all corners of the world,” he said.

“I am going to continue to lobby lawmakers on this issue. You have my word on that.”

Tim Cook expressed strong support for DACA workers

Replying to an employee worried about deportation and family separation, Cook expressed strong support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. “I love you if you’re on DACA,” he said, adding that Apple employs hundreds of DACA workers. “I will personally advocate for you. I am a huge believer in the program.”

The remarks made by Cook are followed by a memo issued last week in which he said that he was ‘heartbroken’ by recent events in Minneapolis, where federal agents killed two people.

He urged de-escalation and revealed he had discussed the matter with President Donald Trump.

Tim Cook also talked about AI and Apple’s 50th anniversary

Along with the immigration law, Tim Cook also talked about Apple’s broader business outlook in the town hall meeting. Cook described artificial intelligence as ‘one of the most profound opportunities of our entire lifetime,’stressing that Apple is well positioned to deliver meaningful AI-powered experiences.Cook also acknowledged the fact that competition from rivals launching new AI devices but mentioned that Apple is ‘extremely excited’ about the opportunities ahead.On his succession plan, Apple CEO said that he spends most of his time thinking about Apple’s leadership pipeline over the next five, ten and fifteen years. He further noted that recent retirements of senior executives were carefully orchestrated and not surprises, calling succession “an important part of leadership.”Lastly, Cook also talked about Apple’s upcoming 50th anniversary in April. He promised a huge celebration to mark the milestone. “When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart sing,” he said.