Recently, former President Trump proposes Green Cards for international students in US colleges. Donald Trump’s proposal seeks to bridge the gap for international students in US colleges, offering a coveted Green Card in exchange for their intellectual pursuits, and potentially unlocking a new era of global minds driving American innovation.
Trump’s bold move to fast-track Green Cards for international students in US colleges marks a strategic pivot in America’s immigration playbook, poised to lure and retain the world’s brightest minds, and fuel the nation’s innovation engine with an infusion of fresh talent.
This move could significantly impact the annual distribution of 1.1 million permanent legal resident visas, aligning the US with global competitors in attracting and retaining top minds to drive innovation and economic growth.
Currently, family connections take precedence over merit-based criteria in the allocation of Green Cards, which grant permanent residence and employment opportunities in the United States. The cumbersome and protracted process involves navigating various visa categories and often entails extended waiting periods.
Trump’s proposed reform aims to establish a more streamlined pathway to residency for international students, synchronizing with initiatives to recruit and retain elite global talent. This shift has the potential to substantially augment the influx of skilled immigrants, thereby enriching the US economy and innovation ecosystem with their expertise and contributions.
Trump’s Speech
My fellow Americans, today I am proud to announce a bold new vision for our nation’s immigration policy. Our proposal to grant Green Cards to foreign graduates as part of their diploma has the potential to revolutionize the way we attract and retain top talent from around the world. By streamlining the process and prioritizing merit-based criteria, we can ensure that the brightest minds are contributing to our economy, driving innovation, and enriching our society.
“Our plan, which we’ve dubbed the ‘Build America visa,’ will prioritize high-skilled individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise and potential. We will evaluate applicants based on a points system that considers factors such as age, English proficiency, education, employment opportunities, and a demonstrated understanding of American history and government. This approach will not only enhance our competitiveness on the global stage but also uphold the values that have always defined our great nation.
“Furthermore, we intend to reform the outdated Diversity Visa program, which relies on a random selection process that does not align with our national interests. Instead, we will focus on attracting individuals who possess the skills, education, and entrepreneurial spirit that will drive our economy forward. This is not a rejection of diversity, but rather a commitment to a more thoughtful and effective approach that benefits all Americans.
“Let us work together to build a brighter future for our nation, one that harnesses the power of immigration to fuel our growth, innovation, and prosperity. With the ‘Build America visa,’ we can create a more merit-based, efficient, and fair immigration system that makes America stronger, prouder, and greater for generations to come.
What I would like is a new legal immigration system that protects American wages, promotes American values, and attracts the best and brightest from all around the world.”
He added, What I will do is you graduate from college, I think you should get automatically as part of your diploma a Green Card to be able to stay in this country.
He emphasized that this policy would apply to graduates from all types of US colleges, including junior colleges and those with doctorate degrees.
Trump’s strategy on immigration and border control
In a marked departure from his previous stance, Trump’s 2024 campaign has pivoted to embrace a more inclusive approach to immigration, recognizing the value of skilled immigrants in driving economic growth and innovation.
This strategic shift acknowledges the need to balance border security concerns with the attraction and retention of global talent, signaling a nuanced reevaluation of traditional conservative views.
By providing a streamlined pathway to residency for high-achieving graduates, Trump aims to bolster US competitiveness in the global arena. As policymakers deliberate on this proposal, its potential to reshape the US immigration landscape and influence future legislation hangs in the balance.
While Democrats currently disagree with Trump’s merit-based approach, the ongoing debate will scrutinize the economic and social implications of this policy, particularly its impact on international students and the US economy.