Former US President Donald Trump, in a surprising shift on immigration policy ahead of the upcoming elections, has unveiled a proposal aimed at benefiting foreign students, including those from India. Trump’s tough stance on immigration during his presidency, now promises that foreign students graduating from US colleges will automatically receive Green Cards, granting them permanent residency in the United States.
In a recent podcast hosted by venture capitalists, Trump highlighted the potential economic benefits of retaining talented graduates who often return to their home countries, such as India and China, after completing their education in the US. He expressed regret over losing graduates from prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT to overseas markets, where they go on to build successful enterprises.
Trump emphasized the need for a merit-based immigration system, underscoring his support for allowing graduates in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) to remain in the US upon completing their degrees. He argued that retaining top talent from American universities is crucial for economic growth and innovation within the country.
These remarks mark a significant departure from Trump’s earlier rhetoric, which included stringent measures against illegal immigration and restrictions on legal immigration during his presidency. The proposal is expected to resonate with voters concerned about immigration issues in the upcoming presidential elections, where Trump is anticipated to challenge President Joe Biden.