In recent years, US President Donald Trump has introduced significant changes to the immigration policies, often making headlines for his controversial decisions. One of the most surprising promises he made during his election campaign was related to international students graduating from US universities. He proposed that these students should automatically receive a Green Card upon graduation. But what does this mean for international students who are hoping to stay in the US permanently?
In this article, we will dive deep into the details of this US Green Card for International Students promise by Donald Trump, explore the current rules, and answer whether students who graduate from US universities will actually be able to secure a green card easily.
What Did Donald Trump Promise During His Election Campaign?
During his election campaign, President Trump made a statement that left many surprised. He said:
“If you graduate from a top college in the US, you should automatically get a green card.”
Trump’s proposal aimed at preventing foreign students, who graduate from prestigious US universities, from leaving the country to start their businesses abroad. He pointed out that many students who graduate from top universities like Harvard and MIT end up returning to their home countries, such as India and China, where they establish successful businesses. These businesses, in turn, create thousands of jobs and make them wealthy.
Trump emphasized that such graduates should be given a Green Card to allow them to stay and contribute to the US economy. He said that the US was losing talented individuals who could create jobs and innovations, particularly in industries like technology.
Will Foreign Students Automatically Get a Green Card in 2025?
While President Trump’s statement created a buzz during the election campaign, the US government has not yet implemented any such policy. In fact, the rules for international students aspiring to stay and work in the US have become stricter in recent years.
As of now, students who complete their studies at US universities do not automatically receive a green card. Instead, they must navigate through a lengthy process to stay and work in the US. Let’s break down the steps required to obtain a green card after graduation.
Current Green Card Process for International Students
Foreign students who wish to stay in the US after graduation typically follow these steps:
- Find a Job: After completing their studies, students need to secure a job that is related to their field of study.
- H-1B Visa: Most students aim to get the H-1B visa, which is a work visa issued to skilled workers. This visa allows foreign professionals to work in the US for three years, with the possibility of extension.
- Green Card Eligibility: After spending a few years working on an H-1B visa, students can apply for a green card. However, there are significant delays, especially for individuals from countries like India, where the waiting period can stretch to decades due to the high demand and limited availability of green cards.
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Find a Job | Secure a job offer related to your degree. |
| Step 2: Get H-1B Visa | Apply for an H-1B work visa for a 3-year work period. |
| Step 3: Apply for Green Card | After working, apply for a green card (with potential delays). |
Challenges for International Students Seeking a Green Card
While the process exists, there are significant hurdles for students, particularly from countries like India, where the wait time can extend for several years due to the per-country cap on green cards. Even after getting an H-1B visa, many applicants are stuck in a long queue for the green card lottery. This means that while the policy may allow international students to eventually apply for a green card, the waiting time can be a major challenge.
Trump’s Policy on Immigration and Green Cards: What Does It Mean?
Though President Trump promised to make it easier for foreign graduates to get a green card, his administration has not implemented this policy yet. Instead, many rules have become stricter under his leadership, including:
- Reduction in the Number of Green Cards: There has been a reduction in the number of green cards issued annually, particularly for certain countries.
- Increased Scrutiny: International students are now facing increased scrutiny and tougher regulations when it comes to work permits and visas.
While President Trump’s intention to keep talented graduates in the US is clear, the green card process remains a complex, bureaucratic journey that students must navigate.
Will Trump’s Promise Be Fulfilled in the Future?
It is still uncertain whether President Trump will fulfill his promise of automatically providing green cards to international students. The current system remains in place, and no official changes have been announced yet. However, some expect that future reforms could make the process easier for foreign students who graduate from US universities.
Given the ongoing debates surrounding US immigration policies, it is unclear whether the new administration (if it changes) or the current one will prioritize implementing such changes.
What Should International Students Do?
While the future remains uncertain, international students should focus on the current immigration and visa rules to make their stay in the US a reality. Securing an H-1B visa, gaining work experience, and eventually applying for a green card are the best paths for now.
However, students should keep an eye on policy changes and stay updated on any new announcements related to US green cards for graduates. Until then, working hard to find a job and gaining valuable experience in the US will still be the most reliable way to eventually secure a green card.
