In a recent landmark statement during an interview on the "All-In" podcast, former US President Donald Trump promised automatic Green Cards for foreign students graduating from US colleges.
This potential policy shift if implemented stands to significantly impact the global education landscape, particularly for Indian students aspiring to study in the US.
India Today has reached out to key players in the international education sector to bring forth critical insights into what this development means for Indian students and the broader academic community.
ATTRACTIVENESS OF US EDUCATION
Aritra Ghoshal, Founder and Director of OneStep Global, said “The United States' appeal is driven by its academic excellence, rich cultural diversity, and wide range of academic options.
The promise of automatic green cards upon graduation, in addition to these existing benefits, would considerably enhance this appeal, potentially shifting preferences away from other popular destinations back to the United States.
This policy could rejuvenate the American higher education market despite ongoing student safety concerns and visa policy changes.
It has the potential to substantially increase international student enrollment, benefiting the nation both economically and culturally by ensuring a steady influx of talented individuals who contribute to the economy while fostering a more dynamic and diverse academic environment.”
DEMAND FOR STUDENT HOUSING IN THE US
Saurabh Arora, CEO & Founder of University Living, shares how the rise in Indian students would directly impact the demand for student housing.
He mentions, "Former President Donald Trump's proposal to grant automatic Green Cards to foreign students graduating from US colleges could potentially reshape higher education dynamics, particularly for Indian students.
If implemented, this policy might influence their educational choices and aspirations.”
He further adds, “The prospect of an automatic Green Card could lead to a significant increase in the number of Indian students considering education opportunities in the US.
This anticipated influx could impact academic institutions and the broader ecosystem supporting student life, including student housing, healthcare, and career services.
Ensuring accessible, safe, and affordable accommodation would be crucial to supporting their academic journey and overall experience in the US, both during and after their studies."
ENROLLMENT TRENDS
On enrollment trends and the reduction of uncertainties around work visas for Indian students, Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director, Career Mosaic said, " The promise of granting automatic Green Cards to foreign graduates from US colleges could significantly transform the higher education landscape, especially for Indian students.
We anticipate a surge in applications from Indian students in 2024-25, most likely owing to recent statements made by Donald Trump.
Such a policy would address recent uncertainties surrounding work visas, reinforcing the value of a US education. At Career Mosaic, 85 percent of our applications target admissions to US institutions.
This announcement is expected to generate a significant increase in enquiries from Indian students, reflecting growing interest and optimism regarding smoother post-study employment pathways.
In STEM designated degrees and subsequent careers, there seems to be a ray of sunshine coming up on the horizon!
“Streamlining the post-study work permit could lead to higher enrollment rates in India, as students feel more secure in their investment in US education, knowing that complexities around work visas are likely to be diminished”, she further adds.
Donald Trump's promise of automatic Green Cards for foreign graduates could be a potential game-changer for Indian students and the US higher education sector.
This policy will support the US to continue to be a top destination for Indian students, leading to increased enrollment, diversity, and economic benefits for educational institutions.
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/trumps-green-card-plan-could-revolutionise-us-education-for-indian-students-2560745-2024-07-01
