In a powerful blog post, the 66-year-old Virgin Group founder spoke of his fears that the anti-Muslim executive order is reminiscent of "darker chapters in US history".
In his blog , Richard wrote: "What worries me the most is that the President’s order breaks with well-established US humanitarian policy – and international law.
"Opening her door to “the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free”, has made America great for more than 240 years.
"If life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness have been the engines that power the American Dream, immigration has been its fuel."
"I fear that Friday’s order has set a dangerous precedent for the systematic exclusion of those who come full of hope and with the best intentions.
"And I’m reminded of the darker chapters of US history, like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 or the ineffable internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II – racist policies that caused untold suffering."
"In the meantime, I applaud the thousands who have taken to the streets and the airwaves in solidarity across the US; the hundreds of lawyers camping out at airports and donating their time to fight the good fight on behalf of those caught up in this mess; the brave federal judges who have shown that checks and balances are still in place.
"They all stand for a kinder, gentler and more welcoming America – the America that is admired the world over."
The billionaire businessman expressed his intention to donate to the American Civil Liberties Union and well as the International Rescue Committee.
And he praised the thousands of protesters who had made their feelings known in many cities around the world, as well as those offering their services to refugees and members of the seven banned Muslim-countries.
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