Former US President Donald Trump expressed his desire to offer automated green cards to international students who graduate from US schools in a surprising departure from his normal hardline stance on immigration. During an interview on the” All- In” radio, Trump said,” What I want to do and what I will do is, you graduate from a university, I think you should get a green cards mechanically as part of your certification, a green cards to be able to remain in this region”. He expanded this plan to incorporate graduates from two-year junior schools and postgraduate programs.
Trump’s improved approach is a raise for American students studying in US universities. During the 2022-23 academic year, an extraordinary number of Indian students opted for higher education in the United States, according to a report. This increase is remarkable at 35 % over the past year.
Data from the Institute of International Education ( IIE ) revealed that over 200, 000 Indian students enrolled in various US institutions, setting a new record. This important increase highlights the growing trend of American students looking for education opportunities overseas, particularly in the United States.
The report highlighted some factors contributing to this development, including the high quality of education, intensive research services, and the worldwide popularity of British universities. Also, the ability to obtain coverage abroad and improve career aspirations has made the US a favored destination for American students.
” Departure from anti-immigrant rhetoric”
Trump’s comments come as a departure from his typical anti- immigrant rhetoric, which often portrays immigrants as a threat to public safety, job security, and government resources. When asked about plans to import the “best and brightest” from around the world, Trump replied,” I do promise”. He cited examples of highly qualified college graduates who were forced to return to their home countries, including China and India, to pursue successful business ventures that employed thousands of people.
A green card, or permanent resident card, is a crucial step towards US citizenship. Trump’s plan opposes current policies that frequently result in graduates returning to their home countries and aims to keep talented individuals who have studied in the United States.
President Joe Biden announced a new path to citizenship for immigrants married to US nationals shortly after the Republican candidate’s remarks, balancing his most recent strict measures against illegal border crossings.
Trump highlighted the loss of talent due to current visa policies, saying,” I know of stories where people graduated from a top college, or from a college, and they desperately want to stay here… and they ca n’t. They go back to India, they go back to China. They operate in those places as the same basic business, and they become multibillionaires with thousands and thousands of employees there.
The former president’s campaign press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, later clarified that Trump’s proposal would only apply to thoroughly vetted college graduates who can make significant contributions to America, and would not undercut American wages or workers. She emphasized that Trump has outlined the most aggressive vetting process in US history to exclude” all communists, radical Islamists, Hamas supporters, America haters and public charges”.
( With inputs from agencies )
