Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin recently advocated for granting automatic visas to foreign students upon graduation from U.S. universities. Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference, Griffin emphasized the importance of retaining top global talent, stating, "The key is they need to stay here. Right, that's the key, and we are not doing enough to make access to staying in America either easy or preferred for so many of these students." Griffin’s proposal aligns with comments made by former President Donald Trump during his presidential campaign. Trump suggested that foreign students should automatically receive a green card as part of their diploma, allowing them to remain in the country. However, during his presidency, Trump enacted policies that were more restrictive. In June 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he implemented a freeze on several visa programs, including the H-1B, which is highly valued by tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. Despite this, Trump later clarified his stance in December, saying he "has always liked the H-1B visa program" and found it beneficial. Griffin’s suggestion is not new; he has previously spoken about the need for a thoughtful immigration policy. At the Economic Club of New York in November, Griffin argued that while securing the southern border is important, the U.S. must maintain its appeal as a destination for global talent. He called for Washington to prioritize policies that reinforce America’s standing as a place where people can pursue their dreams. The H-1B visa program, established to bring in skilled foreign workers, particularly in high-tech fields, is capped at 85,000 visas annually. The program has been a contentious issue, with supporters arguing it allows U.S. companies to tap into a global pool of high-skilled labor and critics contending it can displace American workers. Tech companies rely heavily on H-1B visas to fill key positions, and the temporary nature of these visas often makes it difficult for foreign graduates to secure permanent residency. Griffin’s proposal would streamline the process, potentially leading to a more robust and innovative tech sector by keeping talented students in the country after they complete their education. Industry insiders are largely in agreement with Griffin’s stance, recognizing that the current visa system can be cumbersome and discouraging for highly skilled individuals. They argue that easing the path to permanent residency would help the U.S. maintain its competitive edge in the tech and science sectors, which are crucial for economic growth and innovation. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft have consistently pushed for reforms to the H-1B visa program, highlighting the benefits of attracting and retaining top international talent. Griffin, a billionaire and influential figure in finance, founded Citadel in 1990. The hedge fund firm has grown to become one of the largest and most successful investment companies globally, managing over $40 billion in assets. Known for his strong views on policy and business, Griffin frequently contributes to debates on immigration, technology, and economics, leveraging his platform to advocate for changes he believes will benefit the nation's economic prospects. Representatives for Citadel did not comment on Griffin’s remarks to Business Insider, but his views reflect a broader sentiment among many business leaders who see the value in fostering a more inclusive and flexible immigration system.