Trump shifts stance talks about automatic Green Cards for Indian graduates amid US election campaign

In a surprising shift from his previous stance on immigration, former US President Donald Trump has proposed a policy that could grant automatic Green Cards to foreign students, including those from India, who graduate from US colleges. This proposal comes as part of his campaign for the 2024 US presidential election and marks a significant departure from his earlier, more restrictive immigration policies.

Key Points of Trump’s Proposal

Automatic Green Cards for Graduates: Trump suggested that foreign students graduating from US institutions, including junior colleges, should receive a Green Card as part of their diploma. He emphasized the importance of retaining top talent within the US, noting the economic benefits of keeping these highly educated individuals in the country.

Economic Impact: Trump highlighted the loss of potential economic benefits when graduates return to their home countries to start businesses. He mentioned that these individuals often go on to establish successful companies abroad, which could have been beneficial to the US economy if they had stayed.

Podcast Statement: During an interview on the “All-In” podcast, Trump stated, "What I want to do and what I will do is -- you graduate from a college, I think you should get a Green Card automatically as part of your diploma, a Green Card to be able to stay in this country. And that includes junior colleges too."

Retention of Talent: Trump stressed the need to keep graduates from prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT, as well as other notable schools, in the US. He expressed regret over talented individuals being forced to leave the country due to visa issues, only to achieve significant success abroad.

Shift in Immigration Policy

Trump’s current proposal is a notable shift from his previous approach to immigration. During his presidency, Trump implemented policies aimed at reducing legal immigration, including restrictions on green cards and visa programs. He was particularly critical of the H-1B visa program, which is essential for tech companies hiring foreign skilled workers. These past policies were intended to prioritize American workers and reduce foreign competition.

However, Trump’s new focus is on a merit-based immigration system that aims to attract and retain skilled individuals who can contribute to the US economy. This approach contrasts with his earlier actions, such as the travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries and efforts to curb legal immigration.

Broader Implications

The proposal for automatic Green Cards aligns with Trump's renewed emphasis on the economic advantages of retaining foreign graduates. This shift has sparked discussions about the broader implications of immigration policy on the US economy and workforce. While Trump's new stance may attract support from sectors reliant on skilled labor, it also continues to provoke debate over the balance between protecting American jobs and fostering economic growth through immigration.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump's proposal for automatic Green Cards for foreign graduates represents a significant change in his immigration policy, reflecting a new focus on retaining top talent to boost the US economy. This move could have far-reaching effects on immigration policy and the economic landscape in the US.