Donald Trump’s proposal to grant automatic green cards to foreign graduates from U.S. colleges has sparked mixed reactions across political and social circles.
Supportive Reactions:
Some tech leaders and business advocates welcomed the proposal, seeing it as a way to retain top talent and boost the U.S. economy. They argue that foreign graduates, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, could fill critical skill gaps and drive innovation.
Critical Reactions:
Immigration-restriction groups like NumbersUSA criticized the idea, warning it could turn U.S. colleges into “visa mills” and flood the labor market with foreign workers, driving down wages for Americans. They also expressed concerns about increased competition for college admissions, as foreign students often pay full tuition, potentially displacing U.S. students.
Skepticism:
Analysts have questioned whether Trump would implement such a policy if elected, given his prior administration’s restrictive stance on immigration, including curbs on H-1B visas and employment-based green cards. Critics view the proposal as politically motivated, aimed at courting Silicon Valley donors and moderates concerned about labor shortages.
Overall, while the proposal marks a departure from Trump’s historically tough immigration policies, its feasibility and potential impact remain highly debated among policymakers and the public.
Donald Trump recently proposed granting automatic green cards to foreign students graduating from U.S. colleges. He made this suggestion during an interview on the “All-In” podcast on June 20, 2024. Trump stated that graduates from both two-year and four-year colleges should receive green cards as part of their diplomas, aiming to retain global talent in the U.S. This proposal marks a significant shift from his traditionally restrictive immigration policies and has sparked debate due to its contrast with his past stances on immigration enforcement.
