- Trump’s bid to lure Indian scholars is a significant departure from his 2020 campaign stance when he was known for his anti-immigrant policies.
- Trump’s new approach is an attempt to reshape his image, portraying not as anti-immigrant but as someone critical of immigration that threatens US security.
- The United States has been an educational hotspot and a favoured destination among Indian students for many decades and has seen a surge in recent times.
In a dramatic U-turn, former President Donald Trump has announced plans to grant green cards to foreign students who complete their highest studies in STEM courses in the United States. This move is a significant departure from Trump’s 2020 campaign stance, where he was known for his anti-immigrant policies and critical approach to allowing immigrants into the United States. During his 2020 campaign, Trump did not support granting green cards to foreign students.
However, as the official representative of the Republican Party in the upcoming 2024 Presidential elections, he now supports issuing green cards, which resemble permanent citizenship, to these foreign students.
Trump also made a critical remark regarding students from China and India. He stated that these students pursue higher degrees in the United States and then leave because there is no mechanism for them to secure residency in the country. As a result, they return to their home countries, create business opportunities, and become multi-billionaires. Trump emphasized the need to tap into their potential; if they are getting their education in the United States, they should create jobs and opportunities within the United States.
Trump’s stance comes as a surprise to many, especially among the Republican factions who believe that he is trying to soften his position on immigration ahead of the upcoming Presidential elections in the United States. One major issue in these elections is immigration. Democrats have been perceived as more lenient in allowing immigrants, while Republicans generally oppose this approach.
Republicans argue that nearly seven million people have entered the United States under Democratic policies, and they fear that if they do not soften their stance on immigration, those who have benefited might continue to support Democrats.
Trump’s new approach is seen as an attempt to reshape his image, portraying himself not as anti-immigrant but as someone critical of immigration that threatens American security. This strategic shift is aimed at appealing to immigrants and broader voter bases, which could be a significant factor in the 2024 elections, alongside other geopolitical issues facing the United States.
The United States has been an educational hotspot and a favoured destination among Indian students for many decades and has seen a surge in recent times. In 2023 approximately 140,000 students from India applied to educational programs in the United States. This significant interest indicates a large number of Indians are keen on studying in the U.S., and these students have the potential to create opportunities.
This trend is advantageous for the United States, potentially alleviating the problem of retaining talent, as skilled individuals might choose to stay and contribute to the US economy. However, it presents a challenge for the Indian government, as the country could face a brain drain problem. To address this, the Indian government needs to foster an environment that balances educational and employment opportunities, ensuring that talented individuals find sufficient incentives to stay and contribute within India.
Reference:
Aayush Pal is a freelance writer on contemporary geopolitical developments. The views expressed in his work are entirely his own.
Balaji Subramanian 
Dhruv Ashok