Former President Donald Trump, known for his firm stance against immigration, recently suggested a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. During a podcast with tech industry leaders, Trump proposed granting green cards to all noncitizen graduates of U.S. colleges, stating, “staple a green card to every diploma.
However, following backlash from some Republicans, Trump clarified his stance. A spokesperson told ABC News that the proposal would include an “aggressive vetting process” and apply only to “thoroughly vetted college graduates” who would not harm American wages or jobs.
Trump’s comments suggest a more moderate approach to immigration, a key issue in the upcoming presidential election and the first debate this Thursday. ABC News spoke with conservative experts and immigration insiders about how this potential shift could affect voters.
Whit Ayres, a Republican strategist, compared Trump’s proposal to Nixon’s historic visit to China, noting it contrasts with his usual anti-immigration stance. Ayres believes that supporting high-skill immigration could appeal to independent and suburban voters, presenting Trump as more rational on immigration.
Economist Daniel Di Martino, a fellow at the conservative Manhattan Institute, emphasized that Trump’s proposal targets business leaders who need high-skilled immigrants rather than voters. Trump’s recent outreach to Silicon Valley, a traditionally Democratic stronghold, aligns with this strategy.
Despite some approval, Trump’s proposal faced criticism from conservative immigration advocates. A former Department of Homeland Security official described it as “outrageously unthought-through,” arguing that it equates education with citizenship. Mark Krikorian, director of the Center for Immigration Studies, labeled it a “terrible idea,” criticizing Trump for not being a true immigration restrictionist.
Former acting ICE director Tom Homan supported the idea, highlighting Trump’s focus on skilled immigrants. Homan linked Trump’s comments to his earlier proposals, such as the 2017 executive order reviewing the H1-B visa program and legislation to reduce green card numbers.
Trump’s mixed record on high-skill visas, including modest H1-B program restrictions before the 2020 election, shows his complex stance on immigration. However, experts agree that Trump’s base is unlikely to abandon him over this issue. Ayres and Di Martino both believe that Trump’s credibility on immigration allows him to propose moderate changes without losing support, potentially gaining more votes in the process.