📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked a significant shift in his stance on immigration by promising automatic green cards for foreign students graduating from U.S. colleges. In a recent podcast with venture capitalists, Trump expressed his support for granting green cards as part of the diploma to allow students to stay in the United States, emphasizing the need to retain the brightest minds in the country.
This proposal marks a departure from Trump’s previous anti-immigrant rhetoric and aligns with a merit-based legal immigration system that he has supported throughout his career. The move comes amidst the backdrop of the upcoming presidential election where immigration policies are likely to be a key focus for voters.
Acknowledging the benefits of having skilled graduates contribute to the U.S. economy, Trump highlighted the issue of talented individuals returning to their home countries like India and China, where they go on to establish successful businesses. By offering a pathway for these individuals to stay in the U.S., Trump aims to prevent potential economic losses and capitalize on the talent pool.
The potential policy change could have a significant impact on the immigration landscape, particularly for international students, many of whom come from countries like China and India. Trump’s proposal opens up the possibility of a streamlined process for obtaining lawful permanent residency, providing a pathway to citizenship for graduates who have excelled in their studies.
While Trump’s initial remarks garnered attention for their progressive tone on immigration, his campaign later clarified the proposal, emphasizing the need for stringent vetting processes and exclusions for certain categories of individuals. Although the specifics of the green card policy remain to be seen, it underscores Trump’s evolving stance on immigration and his efforts to attract support from influential business leaders.
Overall, Trump’s promise of Green Cards for foreign graduates reflects a strategic shift in his immigration agenda, signaling a more inclusive approach to skilled immigration and raising questions about the potential impact on the U.S. economy and workforce.
