Trump Proposes Green Cards for Foreign College Graduates, Campaign Quickly Clarifies

In a surprising turn of events, former US President Donald Trump has proposed granting green cards to all foreign college graduates in the United States during a recent appearance on the All-In podcast. This proposal, which marks a departure from his usual stance on immigration, was unveiled during a discussion with tech entrepreneur David Sacks. Responding to investor Jason Calcanis’s query about enhancing immigration opportunities for skilled individuals, Trump affirmed, “I do promise, but I happen to agree.”

Trump went on to outline his vision: “You graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country, and that includes junior colleges.” If implemented, this initiative could potentially benefit a significant number of international students currently studying in the U.S., estimated at approximately one million in 2022.

However, the initial enthusiasm surrounding Trump’s proposal was tempered when his campaign press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, clarified hours later that the plan would involve “aggressive vetting” processes. She emphasized that the green card offer would exclude individuals deemed to be “communists, radical Islamists, Hamas supporters, America haters and public charges,” focusing instead on “the most skilled graduates who can make significant contributions to America.”

This shift echoes Trump’s earlier immigration policies, criticized for their stringent measures and perceived xenophobia. The mention of “aggressive vetting” particularly resonates with Trump’s past calls for “extreme vetting,” notably associated with his controversial travel ban affecting several Muslim-majority nations.

Trump’s recent statements continue to reflect his hardline stance on immigration, characterized by rhetoric on mass deportations, labeling immigrants as criminals, and contentious remarks regarding border security. Even before the campaign’s clarification, skepticism surrounded the feasibility and inclusivity of Trump’s proposal for international students.

While Trump’s proposal on the podcast may signal a potential policy shift if he returns to the White House, the subsequent qualifications underscore the complexities inherent in his immigration agenda. The debate over immigration reform remains a contentious issue in American politics, with divergent views on balancing national security concerns with the country’s historical role as a haven for global talent.

As the 2024 presidential race gains momentum, Trump’s evolving immigration stance is likely to remain a focal point, influencing discussions on America’s future approach to welcoming foreign graduates and skilled professionals.