Former US President Donald Trump announced his intention to grant green cards to foreign graduates of US colleges, marking a departure from his typically stringent stance on immigration, a pivotal issue in elections.
Trump made these remarks during a podcast released on Thursday, shortly after President Joe Biden unveiled a citizenship pathway for immigrants married to US citizens, countering recent measures aimed at curbing illegal border crossings.
“I believe that upon graduation from college, individuals should automatically receive a green card along with their diploma,” Trump stated on the All-In podcast.
A green card, formally known as a permanent resident card in the US, represents a significant step toward citizenship.
Trump emphasized that this policy should encompass graduates from all types of colleges, including those completing two-year programs and doctoral degrees.
Responding to a question about attracting the world’s top talent to America, Trump affirmed, “I do promise that.” He cited instances of graduates returning to their home countries, like India or China, where they establish successful businesses.
Trump argued that US companies require skilled individuals and lamented situations where deals are hindered due to uncertainty over their ability to remain in the country.
“That uncertainty ends on day one,” Trump declared.
During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Trump implemented strict measures such as building a border wall with Mexico and imposing travel bans on citizens from predominantly Muslim countries.
His remarks followed actions by Democratic opponent Biden, who recently eased visa regulations for hundreds of thousands of spouses of US citizens and simplified the process for “Dreamers” to obtain work visas if they have college degrees and job offers.
Biden, often criticized by Republicans for his immigration policies, also signed an executive order in June restricting asylum claims by migrants entering the US illegally during surges exceeding 2,500 per day.
