Linux Foundation’s Jim Zemlin Speaks Out on Immigration Ban

Editorial

Here at FOSS Force, we often disagree with the Linux Foundation and executive director, Jim Zemlin’s, thoughts and actions, especially as far as desktop Linux goes. We do so, however, while also recognizing the great amount of good, and the hard work the foundation undertakes for Linux and open source projects in other areas. We also appreciate that the Linux Foundation is actively involved in areas outside the realm of software and computing and that the organization can usually be counted on to take stands that come down on the side of improving and protecting the human condition.

Today, acting as the executive director of the foundation, Zemlin issued a short, official response to Donald Trump’s actions, which have barred people from designated countries from entering the United States. We are sharing his words with you here. At FOSS Force, we offer a big thumbs up to Zemlin and the organization he heads for having the courage to speak out on this most important issue.

We believe this is not a time for silence. It is a time for making your voice heard.

Linux Foundation Executive Director’s Statement on Immigration Ban

The Linux operating system underlies nearly every piece of technology in modern life, from phones to satellites to web searches to your car. For the Linux Foundation, openness is both a part of our core principles and also a matter of practicality. Linux, the largest cooperatively developed software project in history, is created by thousands of people from around the world and made available to anyone to use for free. The Linux Foundation also hosts dozens of other open source projects covering security, networking, cloud, automotive, blockchain and other areas. Last year, the Linux Foundation hosted over 20,000 people from 85 countries at more than 150 events. Open source is a fundamentally global activity but America has always served as the hub for innovation and collaboration. Linux’s creator, Linux Foundation Fellow Linus Torvalds, immigrated to America from Finland and became a citizen. The Administration’s policy on immigration restrictions is antithetical to the values of openness and community that have enabled open source to succeed. I oppose the immigration ban.

Jim Zemlin, Executive Director, The Linux Foundation

The post Linux Foundation’s Jim Zemlin Speaks Out on Immigration Ban appeared first on FOSS Force.

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