In a podcast released on Thursday, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stated that students graduating from US colleges should receive a green card to remain in the country. This proposal contrasts with his typically strict immigration stance.
During the All-In podcast, hosted by Silicon Valley tech investors, angel investor Jason Calacanis mentioned the necessity for the US to legally retain more high-skilled workers, a significant concern for 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 asked.
“I do promise,” Trump replied. “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.”
A green card, or permanent resident card, allows individuals to live and work permanently in the United States and is a step toward citizenship.
It was unclear if Trump referred to all foreigners, including those who came to the United States illegally or overstayed their visas, or only those on student visas.
In response, the Trump campaign stated that only after “the most aggressive vetting process in U.S. history” would “the most skilled graduates who can make significant contributions to America” be allowed to stay.
One immigration advocate was skeptical of 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 2017-2021 presidency, Trump’s administration took steps to limit US companies’ use of skilled foreign workers on H-1B visas, a key option for international students seeking to remain in the United States.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration attempted to force tens of thousands of foreign students to leave the country if their schools held all classes online. Faced with lawsuits and strong opposition from colleges and universities, the administration later rescinded the order.
Trump has promised a comprehensive crackdown if reelected in the November election against Democrat Joe Biden and has criticized Biden’s efforts to reduce the record number of migrants crossing into the U.S. illegally.
Two of the All-In hosts, venture capitalists David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya, held a high-profile fundraiser for Trump in San Francisco earlier this month, raising about $12 million for his campaign.
On Ukraine and Abortion
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.”
Trump also appeared doubtful about creating a pathway for NATO membership for Ukraine. The Biden administration supports Ukraine’s eventual ascension into the mutual defense alliance.
Regarding abortion rights, Trump reiterated that he would not support a federal ban, echoing previous comments.
