Former President Donald Trump recently unveiled a new stance on immigration, proposing that foreign nationals who graduate from U.S. colleges should automatically receive green cards, allowing these foreign graduates to live and work permanently in the United States. Speaking on “The All-In Podcast,” Trump explained his belief that highly educated foreign graduates with green cards could make significant contributions to the U.S. economy, filling essential roles in tech, research, and various industries in need of skilled talent.
“I believe that if you graduate from a college here, you should automatically receive a green card as part of your diploma,” Trump said on the podcast for green cards foreign graduates. “And this includes junior colleges as well. Anyone who completes a two-year, four-year, or even a doctorate degree should have the opportunity to stay here and work.” This proposal is a significant shift from Trump’s previous stance on immigration, as he had prioritized strict limits on both legal and illegal immigration during his time in office, often criticizing visa programs that bring skilled workers to the U.S.
The podcast discussion featured notable tech industry figures, including venture capitalists David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya, who hosted a recent fundraiser for Trump in San Francisco. When investor Jason Calacanis asked Trump if he could “help bring the best and brightest to America,” Trump responded with this proposal to automatically grant green cards to foreign college graduates. Trump argued that the current system forces foreign graduates to return to their home countries, often establishing tech startups in places like India or China instead of in the U.S., which ultimately creates competition for American companies.
According to Trump’s campaign, however, this plan would only apply to graduates who pass a stringent vetting process. His spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, clarified that graduates would be thoroughly screened to exclude individuals seen as harmful to the U.S., including “communists, radical Islamists, Hamas supporters, America haters, and public charges.” Leavitt emphasized that Trump’s plan focuses on retaining only the most skilled and vetted graduates who could contribute positively to the economy and would not compete unfairly with American workers by lowering wages.
Trump’s shift in rhetoric around immigration contrasts sharply with his previous policies. During his presidency, he implemented measures to restrict immigration, including attempts to limit the H-1B visa program widely used by tech companies to bring in skilled workers. He also promoted a “Buy American, Hire American” policy, aimed at boosting domestic employment and reducing reliance on foreign labor. Trump’s administration directed federal agencies to prioritize hiring U.S. workers and significantly reduced refugee resettlement, while also instituting a travel ban that restricted entry from several Muslim-majority countries.
In his current presidential campaign, immigration has been a central theme for Trump. He has made sweeping promises, including carrying out “the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.” Trump has repeatedly criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of immigration, framing it as lenient and harmful to American interests. Recently, Biden enacted a policy that allows certain undocumented family members of U.S. citizens to apply for lawful residency without leaving the country. This policy shift appears to appeal to key voter groups, including Latino communities in critical battleground states, while also balancing recent stricter measures to limit asylum processing at the southern border.
Trump’s recent comments on the podcast also addressed the importance of skilled labor for U.S. companies, especially in the tech sector. He argued that many foreign graduates from top universities like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard are forced to leave the U.S. despite their potential to boost the economy and create jobs. “You need a pool of smart, talented people to work for your companies,” Trump said, adding that the current immigration system encourages these individuals to start companies in other countries, which can later compete against American firms.
Trump’s position has seen some evolution since his first presidential campaign in 2015. Back then, he expressed support for foreign graduates from U.S. universities being able to stay in the country but was selective about who he thought should benefit. He mentioned instances where top graduates from elite universities such as Harvard or MIT could not remain in the U.S., saying this approach ultimately hurts American interests. In a 2015 interview with Time magazine, Trump pointed out, “If you go to Harvard and graduate No. 1 in your class, and you’re from China, they send you home. You end up working for companies in China and competing against us.”
With immigration poised to remain a focal point of the 2024 presidential election, Trump’s proposed policy marks a notable pivot from his prior immigration approach. This proposal highlights the growing interest in keeping skilled talent within U.S. borders, especially as industries like technology and healthcare seek to address labor shortages. As Trump continues his campaign, he has also used provocative language, often labeling undocumented immigrants as threats, and making unsubstantiated claims linking them to increased crime rates. These statements have drawn criticism from Biden’s campaign and immigrant advocacy groups, who argue that such remarks create a divisive narrative rather than constructive immigration reform.
Trump’s proposal for green cards for foreign graduates represents a policy shift that could influence both immigration reform discussions and the broader political landscape in the coming months. As the 2024 election unfolds, Trump’s evolving stance on immigration may appeal to sectors of the business community eager for talent while also appealing to voters concerned about the economy and job creation. The proposal underscores the complexities surrounding immigration reform and highlights the challenge of balancing economic needs with national security and labor market concerns.
