ESA responds to Trump’s travel ban

American video games trade body The ESA has released a statement urging Donald Trump’s White House to exercise caution” with regards to its immigration policies.

The organisation says that it recognises national security concerns, but that US games industry needs to have access to labour from abroad.

This follows Donald Trump’s alarming new executive order regarding immigration, which saw citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries banned from entering the United States for three months.

While this is a concern when it comes to America’s labour market, it also means that members of the games industry from these nations will have trouble entering the US when it comes to big trade events like GDC next month and E3 in June.

The Entertainment Software Association urges the White House to exercise caution with regard to vital immigration and foreign worker programs,” the organisation said in a statement.

As a leading force in technology and exporter of entertainment, the US video game industry thrives on the contributions of innovators and storytellers from around the world.While recognising that enhancing national security and protecting our country’s citizens are critical goals,our companies rely on the skilled talent of US citizens, foreign nationals, and immigrants alike. Our nation’s actions and words should support their participation in the American economy.”