- Critics argue that OPT operates without congressional approval and now supports nearly as many workers as the H-1B visa programme
- At the same time, the administration is reportedly considering tighter student visa rules, including fixed time limits that would require students to leave shortly after completing their studies unless they secure another visa
US President Donald Trump has reignited debate over America’s immigration and education policies by criticising rules that compel many international students to leave the country after completing their degrees. Speaking at a White House roundtable this week, Trump described it as a “shame” that the United States educates some of the brightest minds from around the world, only to send them back home once they graduate.
His remarks came alongside the unveiling of a new premium immigration pathway dubbed the “Gold Card” visa. Marketed as a high-value alternative to the traditional green card, the Gold Card is intended to offer a clearer and faster route to long-term residency and citizenship for immigrants who can make a strong economic contribution to the US.
Trump highlighted the impact of existing visa uncertainties on students from countries such as India and China, noting that many top-performing graduates struggle to remain in the US despite strong academic credentials. According to him, even students graduating at the top of their class from elite institutions often face forced departures due to limited post-study options.
- The President also emphasised challenges faced by American companies trying to retain global talent
- Standing alongside business leaders including IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell, Trump said firms frequently hesitate to hire international graduates because of doubts over whether those employees can legally stay long term
- He suggested that the Gold Card would allow companies to effectively sponsor and secure visas for graduates they wish to retain, creating greater certainty for employers and employees alike
Under Trump’s vision, companies could recruit directly from leading universities such as Harvard, MIT, Wharton, and NYU, and use the Gold Card to ensure high-skilled graduates remain in the US workforce. Trump described the programme as a stronger and more reliable option than the current green card system, which he called difficult and unpredictable.
However, Trump’s comments arrive amid growing divisions within his political base. Some supporters are advocating stricter measures against international students, including calls to end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. OPT currently allows foreign graduates to work in the US for up to one year, with STEM graduates eligible for a two-year extension.
Together, these developments underscore an ongoing tension between attracting global talent and tightening immigration controls in the United States.
