On Jan. 27, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that prohibited the entry of people from seven predominant Muslim countries, such as Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen, into the U.S.. Many of the individuals affected were refugees fleeing from wars in their own country. Individuals from these seven countries are not allowed into the U.S. for 90 days, according to the executive order. For refugees, the ban lasts 120 days. However, for Syrian refugees, the number of days is indefinite.

Two days later, in a response to this event, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz released a letter concerning this issue. He first stated that Starbucks’ Partner Resources team was “doing everything possible to support and help [those impacted by the immigration ban] to navigate through this confusing period.” Subsequently, Schultz wrote,“We are living in an unprecedented time, one in which we are witness to the conscience of our country, and the promise of the American Dream, being called into question. These uncertain times call for different measures and communication tools than we have used in the past.” He, along with Starbucks president and chief operating officer Kevin Johnson, will begin using more immediate forms of communication to their employees.

The company will also begin taking several actions to reinforce its beliefs. First, Schultz announced that Starbucks would support the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. The DACA policy was started by the Obama administration, and it allows some undocumented immigrants into the U.S. who were minors when they entered to be delayed from deportation and enables them to earn a work permit.

Furthermore, Starbucks will be assisting those that are fleeing from violence by hiring 10,000 refugees over the span of five years in the 75 countries where the company is located in. Their initial focus is to hire “individuals who have served with U.S. troops as interpreters and support personnel in the various countries where [the] military has asked for such support.”

The letter also included information on how the company will continue “building bridges, not walls” by doing business with Mexico. Schultz continued to emphasize his point in creating opportunities “for young people who are working to land their first job in the 75 countries where [Starbucks does] business, opportunity for farmers who care so deeply for the highest of quality coffee [Starbucks offers] to customers all around the globe, and opportunity for those who come to America in search of their own fresh start.”

Throughout these critical times, Starbucks is gradually moving closer to becoming a socially conscious company by fostering opportunities for those in need.