Trump Suggests Green Cards for High-Performing International Students Amid University Funding Concerns

During a state visit to China, President Donald Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity that “good” students from China and other countries who “want to stay in America” could be offered green cards. He warned that cutting the flow of international students would “bankrupt” many U.S. universities, especially those that are not top-ranked, and described such restrictions as “a very insulting thing to tell a country ‘we don’t want your people in our schools.’”

Newsweek

The proposal marks a shift from earlier administration policies that imposed tighter limits on immigration processing as part of a broader effort to reduce admissions of foreign nationals. In the previous year, the federal government attempted to block Harvard University from enrolling international students and signaled a possible expansion of the crackdown to other colleges. A federal judge later halted that action, leaving the policy landscape unsettled as Trump offers a new, more permissive option.

Newsweek

According to the Institute of International Education, 1.2 million international students studied in the United States in 2024, including roughly 266,000 from China. Their presence generated about $55 billion for the U.S. economy, encompassing tuition, housing, and daily expenses. The College Board reports that public four-year universities charge $25,000–$45,000 per year for international tuition, private institutions $35,000–$65,000+, and community colleges $8,000–$15,000. Most arrive on F-1 academic visas or J-1 exchange visas; after graduation they may remain for up to one year (or three years for certain STEM fields) under Optional Practical Training.

Newsweek

President Trump framed the green-card suggestion as a “common-sense” response to the economic and educational value of foreign students. He emphasized that welcoming students helps them learn U.S. culture and that many wish to stay after graduation. Trump also asserted that limiting enrollment would damage lower-tier schools, while top institutions would be less affected. No other government officials or agencies issued formal comments within the provided sources.

Newsweek

Trump acknowledged that “Not everybody agrees with me,” noting that his stance diverges from typical conservative positions on immigration. This admission signals existing dissent among policymakers and commentators who view the proposal as inconsistent with prior restrictive policies.

Newsweek

• “good” students from China and other countries who “want to stay in America” could be offered green cards. — Donald Trump, President of the United States

Newsweek

• “a very insulting thing to tell a country 'we don't want your people in our schools,” — Donald Trump

Newsweek

• “If you want to see a university system die, take a half-a-million people out of it,” — Donald Trump

Newsweek

• “Not everybody agrees with me, and it doesn't sound like a very conservative position and I'm a conservative guy; I'm more of a common sense guy.” — Donald Trump

Newsweek

• “I frankly think it's good that people come from other countries and they learn our culture, and many of them want to stay here, I think it's good,” — Donald Trump

Newsweek

The interview aired on Thursday, bringing the green-card proposal into public debate. Future legislative or administrative actions will determine whether the suggestion translates into policy changes affecting international student admissions and immigration pathways.

Newsweek