In a surprising turn, former President Donald Trump has declared that he will automatically grant green cards to foreign graduates of US colleges if re-elected.
Known for his stringent immigration policies, Trump’s latest promise marks a significant departure from his past stance.
During an interview on the All-In Podcast with Silicon Valley tech investors, Trump discussed the need to retain top talent in the United States.
“It’s so sad when we lose people from Harvard, MIT, the greatest schools, and lesser schools that are phenomenal schools also,” Trump said.
“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.”
This policy could potentially lead to hundreds of thousands of new citizenship applications annually, as a green card provides permanent residency and a path to US citizenship. Trump’s proposal highlights a new approach to immigration, focusing on the economic benefits of keeping educated talent within the country.
However, Trump’s hardline views on undocumented immigration remain unchanged. He has vowed to execute the largest mass deportation in US history if he wins the upcoming election.
At a campaign rally in Wisconsin, he criticized President Joe Biden’s new program that allows undocumented spouses of US citizens to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country.
“Our country is under invasion. We should not be talking amnesty, we should be talking about stopping the invasion instead,” Trump declared.
Currently, an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants reside in the United States without legal status, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump’s mixed messages on immigration reflect a complex and evolving political strategy as he continues his bid for re-election.