In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump expressed a surprising shift in his stance on immigration by proposing to grant automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. This proposal, if implemented, would mark a significant departure from Trump's usual anti-immigrant rhetoric.
During the interview, Trump mentioned his intention to provide green cards as part of the diploma for any student graduating from a college, including junior colleges. He emphasized the importance of retaining talented individuals who have received their education in the United States.
Immigration has been a central theme in Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, with a focus on border security and cracking down on illegal immigration. However, his suggestion to offer green cards to foreign graduates represents a notable expansion of America's immigration system.
Throughout his presidency, Trump implemented various measures to restrict both illegal and legal immigration, including proposing reforms to business visas and criticizing programs like the H1-B visa program. He cited concerns about protecting American workers and ensuring that visas are awarded to the most skilled applicants.
Trump attributed the delay in implementing these measures during his presidency to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. He highlighted stories of foreign graduates from top colleges who are unable to secure visas to stay in the U.S., leading them to return to their home countries and achieve success there.
By advocating for automatic green cards for foreign college graduates, Trump aims to address the need for skilled individuals in the workforce and support companies in hiring talented professionals. This proposal reflects a new perspective on immigration policy from the former president.