Former President Donald Trump suggested in a podcast interview that all foreign students graduating from US universities and junior colleges should receive green cards, a proposal that has sparked criticism from hardline immigration advocacy groups.
During his appearance on “The All-In Podcast,” hosted by Silicon Valley tech investor Jason Calacanis, Trump expressed his support for automatically granting green cards to foreign graduates as part of their diplomas.
He emphasized extending this privilege to graduates of both four-year universities and two-year junior colleges.
Trump stated that he would have implemented this policy during his first term if not for the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, his proposal has drawn sharp reactions. Mark Krikorian, from the Center for Immigration Studies, described it as a “cockamamie proposal” that would flood the country with foreign graduates, potentially including those from less rigorous programs.
Critics argue that such a policy could lead to a surge in quick, one-year master’s programs designed solely to exploit the green card opportunity, which they fear could undermine American wages and job opportunities.
Supporters of Trump’s proposal, including his campaign’s national press secretary Karoline Leavitt, insist that it would only apply to highly qualified graduates who could contribute positively to the US economy.
They emphasized stringent vetting processes to exclude individuals who might undercut American workers.
Currently, there are over 1 million foreign college students in the US, with a significant number coming from countries like China and India.
Trump’s proposal, if enacted, could become a major pathway for immigration to the US, contrasting with his previous immigration policies that focused on restrictions and deportations.
The debate over Trump’s proposal reflects broader concerns about immigration policy’s impact on the US economy and job market, highlighting divisions among policymakers and advocacy groups.