The 2024 US presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump presents a critical juncture for international students considering education in the United States. While neither candidate has explicitly outlined comprehensive plans for international education, their broader immigration policies and past actions provide insight into how their administrations might approach this crucial aspect of US higher education and economic growth. This article delves into the potential impacts of a Harris or Trump presidency on international students, analysing their proposed policies, past records, and the implications for those seeking to study and potentially build careers in the United States.  

Current Landscape of International Education in the US  

Before delving into the candidates' positions, it's crucial to understand the current state of international education in the United States:  

- As of the 2022-2023 academic year, there were over 1 million international students in the US, contributing $39 billion to the US economy 

- China and India remain the top two countries of origin for international students 

- STEM fields continue to attract the highest number of international students 

- The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant dip in international enrolments, but numbers are rebounding  

Kamala Harris's Approach to International Students and Immigration  

Expanding Legal Immigration Pathways: 

Harris has consistently advocated for expanding legal immigration channels, which could benefit international students in several ways:  

- Proposed increasing the number of employment-based visas by 250,000 over five years 

- Supports streamlining the visa application process for skilled workers  

H-1B Visa Program: 

Harris's stance on the H-1B visa program, crucial for many international graduates seeking employment in the US, is generally supportive:  

- Advocates for maintaining and potentially expanding the H-1B program 

- Supports work authorisation for H-1B visa holders' spouses  

Optional Practical Training (OPT): 

While Harris hasn't specifically addressed OPT, her general support for skilled immigration suggests she would likely maintain or expand this program, which allows international students to work in the US for up to three years after graduation in STEM fields.  

DACA and 'Dreamers': 

Harris strongly supports the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and has proposed:  

- Making DACA protections permanent through legislation 

- Creating a pathway to citizenship for 'Dreamers'  

This stance could indirectly benefit international students by creating a more welcoming environment for immigrants in general.  

Campus Protests and Free Speech: 

In response to recent pro-Palestine protests on US campuses, Harris has taken a more measured approach:  

- Recognised the emotions behind the protests without fully endorsing all points 

- Has not called for visa revocations or deportations of protesting international students  

Donald Trump's Stance on International Students and Immigration  

Automatic Green Cards for Graduates: 

In a significant shift from his previous hardline immigration stance, Trump has recently proposed:  

- Issuing automatic green cards to international students graduating from US universities 

- This policy aims to retain talent in the US, particularly in STEM fields  

However, it's important to note that this proposal hasn't been fleshed out in detail and would require congressional approval.  

Travel Bans and Restrictions: 

Trump's campaign has indicated plans to reinstate and expand travel bans:  

- This could potentially affect students from certain countries, particularly in the Middle East 

- The specifics of which countries or visa types would be affected remain unclear  

H-1B Visa Program: 

Trump's stance on H-1B visas has been mixed:  

- His previous administration attempted to limit H-1B visas and proposed wage increases for visa holders 

- However, his recent statements suggest a more favourable view towards highly skilled immigrants  

Birthright Citizenship: 

Trump has proposed ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, which could indirectly affect international students who start families in the US.  

Campus Protests and Visa Revocations: 

In response to pro-Palestine protests on US campuses, Trump's campaign has called for:  

- Revoking visas of foreign students involved in these protests 

- Deporting "pro-Hamas radicals" to make campuses "safe and patriotic"  

This stance could create a more restrictive and potentially intimidating environment for international students.  

Comparative Analysis: Harris vs Trump  

Visa Policies and Work Opportunities: 

- Harris: Generally supportive of expanding visa opportunities and pathways to permanent residency 

- Trump: Proposes automatic green cards for graduates but may impose stricter overall immigration policies  

Campus Environment and Free Speech: 

- Harris: More tolerant of campus protests and diverse viewpoints 

- Trump: Advocates for stricter measures against certain forms of protest, potentially limiting free speech for international students  

Long-term Immigration Prospects: 

- Harris: Supports comprehensive immigration reform and pathways to citizenship 

- Trump: Focuses on merit-based immigration but with potential restrictions on family-based immigration  

Impact on International Student Enrolment: 

- Harris's policies might encourage more diverse international student enrolment 

- Trump's policies could lead to decreased enrolment from certain countries but potentially increase retention of graduates  

Expert Opinions and Industry Insights  

Future Trends and Career Prospects  

Regardless of the election outcome, several trends are likely to shape the future of international education in the US:  

- Increased focus on STEM education and research collaborations 

- Growing importance of artificial intelligence and data science in curricula 

- Expansion of online and hybrid learning options 

- Greater emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation in higher education  

Career prospects for international students in the US remain strong, particularly in:  

- Technology and software development 

- Healthcare and biotechnology 

- Finance and business analytics 

- Clean energy and sustainability  

Conclusion  

The 2024 US presidential election presents two distinctly different visions for the future of international education and immigration in the United States. Kamala Harris's approach generally favours expanding opportunities for international students and skilled immigrants, potentially creating a more welcoming environment but with less dramatic changes to the current system. Donald Trump's proposals, while including a potentially game-changing offer of automatic green cards for graduates, come with uncertainties regarding overall immigration policies and campus environments.  

For prospective international students, the choice between these candidates represents not just a decision about their immediate educational future but also their long-term prospects in the United States. Both candidates' policies offer potential benefits and drawbacks, and the ultimate impact will depend not just on campaign promises but on the complex realities of implementing these policies in the US political system.  

As the election approaches, it's crucial for international students, educators, and policymakers to stay informed about these evolving policies and their potential impacts on the global landscape of higher education.  

Navigate the complexities of US education and immigration policies with confidence using Lurnable's premium membership. Access expert analysis of evolving policies, personalised guidance on visa applications, and exclusive insights into post-graduation opportunities in the US. Our advisory services offer tailored strategies to maximise your chances of academic and career success in America. Stay updated with real-time policy changes and their impacts through our dedicated WhatsApp channel. Join Lurnable today and take the first step towards a successful educational journey in the US, regardless of the election outcome!