Donald Trump pledges automatic green cards for foreign graduates if re-elected, aiming to bolster US talent retention amid rising international student numbers. The proposed policy includes stringent vetting. The debate over immigration implications intensifies as US elections approach.
Former US President Donald Trump, in a recent podcast hosted by Silicon Valley investor David Sacks, proposed granting automatic green cards to foreign students upon graduating from US universities if he returns to the White House.
Trump, known for his tough stance on immigration, assured listeners that skilled graduates should have the opportunity to remain in the country, aligning with America's need for talent. His pledge contrasts with his usual rhetoric on immigration, emphasizing a policy aimed at attracting and retaining skilled workers.
However, his campaign clarified that the initiative would include strict vetting to exclude individuals deemed incompatible with American values, such as communists and radical Islamists. Trump's proposal coincides with increasing numbers of international students in the US, notably a 22% rise in Nigerian enrollments last year, making Nigeria the seventh largest source of foreign students.
As the US gears up for the upcoming elections, Trump's immigration policies are poised to be a focal point, potentially influencing voter sentiments on his candidacy.
