President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to grant automatic green cards to foreign nationals graduating from US colleges has ignited fresh debates on immigration and labor policies.
In a June interview on the All-In Podcast, Trump stated, “What I want to do, and what I will do, is 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.” He clarified that this would apply to graduates of both two-year and four-year colleges, as well as those earning advanced degrees.
The proposal gained renewed attention after a video of Trump’s remarks went viral on X, formerly Twitter, where it was shared by Elon Musk. Musk, a vocal advocate for skilled immigration, emphasized the importance of retaining foreign talent in the US, particularly in the tech sector.
Trump’s plan seeks to address the issue of “brain drain” by encouraging highly skilled graduates to remain in the US. Analysts suggest the move could strengthen the American workforce and boost the economy through innovation, job creation, and entrepreneurship.
However, the proposal has also drawn criticism, particularly from Trump’s base, where many voters fear that incoming immigrants might compete with US citizens for jobs.
Concerns for International Students
Adding to the controversy, many US universities have advised international students to return to the country early amid speculation that Trump might reinstate travel restrictions after his inauguration. Institutions like New York University, Cornell University, and the University of Southern California have expressed concerns that Trump’s administration could impose visa and travel bans similar to those seen during his first term.
International students typically hold nonimmigrant visas that allow them to study in the US but do not offer a path to permanent residency. In 2017, Trump’s early travel restrictions targeting specific nations, referred to as a “Muslim ban,” led to widespread protests before being overturned by the courts.
Trump’s green card proposal has once again placed his immigration policies under scrutiny, reopening discussions on the balance between securing talent and addressing domestic job market concerns.
