Donald Trump, during a podcast released on Thursday, proposed that students graduating from US colleges should receive a green card to remain in the country. This suggestion contrasts with his traditionally strict stance on immigration.
During the All-In podcast hosted by Silicon Valley tech investors, angel investor Jason Calacanis emphasized to Trump the necessity for the US to retain more high-skilled workers legally, highlighting a significant concern within the tech industry.
“Can you please promise us you will give us more ability to import the best and brightest around the world to America?” Calacanis said.
“I do promise,” Trump said. “But I happen to agree, otherwise I wouldn’t promise… You graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically as part of your diploma a green card to be able to stay in this country and that includes junior colleges too.”
Trump’s proposal on granting green cards to college graduates in the US was clarified by his campaign, stating that it would apply only after a rigorous vetting process.
Donald Trump shared that the graduates from US colleges should receive green cards
This process would prioritize the most skilled graduates who can contribute significantly to the country, rather than extending to all foreigners, including those who arrived illegally or overstayed their visas.
One immigration advocate was not convinced by Trump’s proposal.
“I almost have to laugh because his administration adopted multiple policies aiming to restrict student visas and make it harder for people to stay in the country after graduating,” said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council.
During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Donald Trump’s administration implemented measures aimed at restricting the use of H-1B visas by US companies, which are crucial for international students hoping to stay in the United States after graduation.
One notable instance during the COVID-19 pandemic involved an attempt to require foreign students to leave the US if their schools moved to online-only classes.
This directive was met with legal challenges and backlash from universities, leading to its eventual withdrawal.
Trump has pledged to continue a stringent approach if reelected, contrasting sharply with Democratic opponent Joe Biden’s policies on illegal immigration.
Recently, two of the All-In podcast hosts, David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya, organized a fundraiser in San Francisco that raised approximately $12 million for Trump’s reelection campaign.
During the interview, Trump ruled out committing US troops to Ukraine.
“I would guarantee it,” he said, when asked if he would pledge not to put boots on the ground there. “I wouldn’t do it, no.”
Regarding Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, Trump expressed skepticism, while the Biden administration has indicated support for Ukraine’s eventual inclusion in the alliance.
On abortion rights, Trump maintained his stance against supporting a federal ban, consistent with his previous comments on the matter.
