Former President Donald Trump - known for his staunch stance on immigration - has unveiled a surprising proposal ahead of the upcoming elections.
In a recent podcast interview with prominent tech investors from Silicon Valley, Trump announced plans to grant green cards to foreign graduates of US colleges if re-elected.
Trump's unexpected move marks a significant departure from his previous hardline rhetoric on immigration, which has defined much of his political career. During the All-In Podcast hosted by Chamath Palihapitiya and others, Trump expressed his intention to streamline the process for talented individuals graduating from American universities to stay in the country permanently.
"It’s so sad when we lose people from Harvard, MIT, the greatest schools, and lesser schools that are phenomenal schools also," Trump remarked during the interview. He suggested that receiving a green card should be automatic upon graduation, extending this benefit even to graduates from junior colleges.
A green card grants individuals the right to live and work permanently in the United States, paving a potential pathway to citizenship. Trump's proposal, if implemented, could potentially lead to hundreds of thousands of new citizenship applications annually, according to experts.
This proposal contrasts sharply with Trump's past immigration policies, which included pledges for extensive deportations and characterized migrants as detrimental to the nation. Trump has frequently criticized President Joe Biden's administration for what he perceives as lax immigration policies.
The Department of Homeland Security estimates that around 11 million migrants currently reside in the US without authorization, a contentious issue that has long dominated the political landscape.
Trump's latest announcement is expected to ignite debate among voters and politicians alike as the election season heats up, with immigration remaining a critical issue for many Americans.
