Former President Donald Trump recently suggested that he would offer automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges, including junior colleges, if he were re-elected. This proposal marks a significant shift from his typical anti-immigrant rhetoric. Trump stated this plan during a podcast with venture capitalists and tech investors, emphasizing the need for the “best and brightest” to stay in the U.S. to contribute to the economy.
This idea contrasts sharply with his previous policies and statements, which often focused on limiting both illegal and legal immigration. During his previous term, Trump issued an executive order to ensure that business visas were awarded only to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants and criticized the H1-B visa program.
Despite his hardline stance on immigration, Trump now acknowledges the importance of retaining highly skilled graduates from U.S. institutions to bolster the country’s workforce. His campaign press secretary clarified that this proposal would apply only to the most thoroughly vetted graduates who would not undercut American wages or workers.