The 2024 Presidential Debate: Immigration Policies and Their Impact on Day 1 CPT Students

On September 10, 2024, a pivotal debate unfolded in Philadelphia between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, marking their first direct confrontation since President Biden’s decision to step down. Immigration emerged as one of the most contentious topics, offering insights into how each candidate's policies could shape the future of U.S. immigration. The discussion also shed light on how Harris immigration policy and Trump immigration policy could impact international students, particularly those enrolled in Day 1 CPT programs.

Trump vs. Harris: Contrasting Immigration Policies

Throughout the debate, Trump immigration policy maintained its hardline stance, emphasizing national security and border enforcement. Trump reiterated debunked claims about immigrants harming U.S. communities and used this narrative to criticize the Biden-Harris administration’s inability to secure the border. His proposed solutions focused on border walls and deportations as the primary strategies to address immigration challenges.

In contrast, Harris immigration policy embraced a more humanitarian approach. Harris stressed the need for secure borders but emphasized addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty, violence, and corruption in Central America. She criticized Trump’s border-focused approach and advocated for comprehensive immigration reform that balances security with a more compassionate strategy.

Trump’s Future Vision: Reinstating Hardline Immigration Measures

If re-elected, Trump immigration policy is expected to revive previous hardline measures. During the debate, Trump reiterated support for the "Remain in Mexico" program and the restriction of asylum claims, positioning himself as the candidate to limit migration into the U.S. by enforcing stringent deterrents.

Interestingly, Trump has shown some openness to skilled immigration. In a 2024 All-In Podcast interview, he floated the idea of granting green cards to international students upon graduation, particularly those in STEM fields. While his overall immigration stance remains rigid, this highlights a potential silver lining for legal immigrants, including those enrolled in Day 1 CPT programs, as he may offer more favorable policies for skilled foreign workers.

Harris’s Path Forward: A Balanced Immigration Approach

In contrast, Harris immigration policy seeks to create a more balanced and humane immigration system. She reaffirmed her support for expanding legal immigration pathways and creating a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years. Harris emphasized the importance of building stronger relationships with Central American nations to address migration issues at their source. Her approach blends stricter border enforcement with a focus on addressing the humanitarian aspects of immigration, aiming to offer more long-term solutions.

H-1B Lottery and Day 1 CPT: What’s Next for International Students

As immigration policies evolve, the future of Day 1 CPT programs and international students’ ability to work in the U.S. remains a critical issue. The H-1B visa lottery has become increasingly competitive, with only a 25% chance of obtaining a visa. This limited success rate forces many international students—particularly those from China and India, who face long green card wait times—to rely on alternative options like Day 1 CPT programs to maintain their status in the U.S.

Data from Boundless supports this growing trend:

• Rising Numbers: International student enrollment in the U.S. rebounded in 2023, surpassing 1.5 million students, a 10.4% increase from 2022.
• Economic Impact: International students contributed $40 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 368,000 jobs during the 2022-2023 academic year.
• STEM Dominance: A majority of international students pursue degrees in STEM fields, with Computer Science and Business Administration being the most popular majors.
• Geographic Concentration: Nearly half of all international students study in five states: California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, and Florida.
• Diverse Origins: Over 70% of international students in the U.S. hail from Asia, with India and China being the top countries of origin.
• Work Experience: In 2023, 160,627 students participated in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a 37% increase from the previous year, with the majority in STEM OPT programs.

Shifts in State Preferences: Day 1 CPT Students and Geographic Trends

With the ongoing evolution of immigration policies, many Day 1 CPT students are shifting their focus toward Republican-led states like Texas and Florida. These states, known for their tax-friendly environments and lower living costs, are becoming attractive alternatives to traditionally popular states like California and New York, where high taxes and living expenses are driving students to seek more affordable options. This trend suggests that Republican and tax-exempt states could become new hubs for international students seeking both educational and employment opportunities.

The Future of Day 1 CPT: Opportunities Amidst Uncertainty

While the future of U.S. immigration policy remains uncertain, Day 1 CPT programs offer international students a crucial lifeline, allowing them to work legally while studying in the U.S. Despite the challenges of securing H-1B visas and enduring long green card wait times, Day 1 CPT provides students with a legal avenue to maintain their status and pursue their professional goals.

A second Trump presidency could potentially offer new opportunities for international students, particularly those in STEM fields, as his support for green card pathways for graduates has been floated as a potential policy. Conversely, Harris immigration policy may offer new legal pathways and broader protections for international students, as part of a comprehensive reform effort that balances border enforcement with humanitarian solutions.

In either scenario, the demand for skilled international talent is unlikely to wane. With international students continuing to play a vital role in the U.S. economy, Day 1 CPT programs are positioned to remain a key solution, ensuring these students can maintain their legal status and continue contributing to the country’s growth.

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