Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg cuts off pro-immigration group he founded in retreat from advocacy

Core Points - Mark Zuckerberg has severed ties with the pro-immigration group FWD.us, which he co-founded over a decade ago, as the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) shifts its focus away from political advocacy towards science and biomedical research [1][6][9] - This marks the first time FWD.us will operate without financial support from Zuckerberg, Chan, or CZI since its inception in 2013 [2][3] - The formal separation occurred in April 2023, with FWD.us removing CZI from its internal bylaws [3] Group 1: Changes in Philanthropic Focus - CZI is transitioning away from political and social advocacy, concentrating on scientific endeavors, particularly through initiatives like the Biohub [6][9] - Zuckerberg has made significant changes at Meta Platforms Inc., including dismantling diversity programs and altering hate speech policies related to immigration [5][10] Group 2: Impact on FWD.us - FWD.us is losing its primary financial backer at a critical time, as the Trump administration has intensified its immigration enforcement policies [12] - Since its founding, over half of the approximately $400 million donated to FWD.us has come from Zuckerberg's philanthropic efforts [13] - FWD.us has been preparing for financial independence, with funding from non-CZI sources increasing three to four times between 2022 and 2024 [16] Group 3: Future Advocacy and Strategy - FWD.us President Todd Schulte stated that the organization is focusing on data-driven advocacy to address immigration and criminal justice reform [20][21] - The group aims to advance bipartisan solutions that enhance the economy and improve immigration and criminal justice systems [21]