To know why Microsoft is fighting the Trump administration’s immigration policies, look at how CEO Satya Nadella got to where he is today.

Nadella appeared on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” this week to promote his book “Hit Refresh” and talk about a wide variety of topics including artificial intelligence, company culture, education and whether people still ask him for computer advice — “all the time,” he answered. But when the conversation turned to immigration, Nadella got serious.

“I’m a product of two amazing American things: American technology reaching me growing up in India, and letting me even dream the dream, and then it’s the American immigration policy that let me come here and live it, and I’m always reminded of that. Therefore, I believe we should stand for it, not just in the interest of Microsoft, but in the interest of America.”

Nadella went on to say that America gains much of its economic power from attracting the best and brightest worldwide And the possibility of coming to the U.S. and making a better life, as Nadella did, can be a an important motivator for people all over the world.

“We are the beacon of hope for the people who most need it all around the world, and the fact that we stand for it gives us immense power,” Nadella said.

You can watch the full interview above or on The Daily Show website.

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.