Giving Green Cards to Foreign Graduates: Trump's Strategic Flip or Campaign Promise?

by Dean W. Liu on Jun 22, 2024

Trump promises to back direct green cards for international students

In a recent appearance on a popular podcast, former President Donald Trump made a significant announcement that could sway many international students and professionals in the US. He promised that if re-elected, he would implement a plan to automatically grant green cards to all foreign students upon graduation from US institutions. This announcement sounds like a complete reversal from his previous policies, which were notably restrictive towards high-skilled foreign workers and international students.

Trump's Immigration Contradictions: A Closer Look

During Trump's presidency, his administration was known for tightening immigration policies that affected many international students and professionals aspiring to work in the US. His statement in the podcast, hosted by Silicon Valley investor and Trump supporter David Sacks, came as a surprise and seemed to align more with attracting high-skilled immigrants, contrary to his past "invasion" rhetoric about foreign skilled workers.

However, hours after the podcast aired, Trump's campaign press secretary stepped in to clarify that this policy would come with a "strict screening process" and would only apply to "the most outstanding graduates who can make significant contributions to the US." This clarification also pointed out exclusions such as communists, radical Islamists, Hamas supporters, those who are antagonistic towards the US, and public charges.

The Reality Behind the Promises

Trump's sudden pivot raises questions about the feasibility and sincerity of such promises. Historically, Trump has indeed attempted to reform America's immigration system, advocating for a merit-based system that prioritizes wealth, job skills, and higher education. His proposal in May 2019 sought to massively shift green card allocations towards highly skilled, educated immigrants while reducing family-based and refugee green cards.

Despite these proposals, Trump's administration consistently attempted to suppress the H-1B visa program, crucial for many international students wishing to work in the US post-graduation. Any moves against the H-1B visa could undermine even the most student-friendly green card policies, potentially leaving many international students and professionals in a precarious position.

Conclusion: A Matter of Uncertainty and Strategy

Trump's latest statements reflect a strategic shift in his campaign, possibly aimed at attracting wealthy business leaders as donors and supporters. While the proposal deserves attention from international students and H-1B workers in the US, its actual implementation—if Trump is re-elected—remains highly uncertain.

As international students and professionals in the US, it's important to stay informed and critically evaluate such political promises, especially when they represent a significant departure from previous policies. The real impact of these promises will only become clear over time, and depending on the political landscape, they could either open new opportunities or merely serve as campaign rhetoric.