The country easing visa rules to draw people barred from US by Trump

The country is encouraging immigration even as the US seeks to restrict it

Spain has announced expedited university access for foreign students who have been barred from entering the United States due to visa suspensions imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump.

The move allows students unable to complete their studies in the US to transfer to Spanish institutions, with the added benefit of part-time work visas, according to a statement from the Migration Ministry.

The decision comes as the Trump administration has engaged in significant clashes with several leading US universities.

These institutions have been accused of becoming "bastions of antisemitism" following widespread student protests advocating for Palestinian rights amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In particular, the administration has frozen funding for investigations at Harvard and threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status.

In response, several European nations, including Spain, have increased research grants in an effort to attract academic talent.

Sagrada Familia Cathedral in spring in Barcelona, Spain (Getty/iStock)

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has actively encouraged immigration, highlighting its economic advantages for the country.

Spain is already a popular destination for American students seeking to study abroad, ranking third behind the United Kingdom and Italy, according to the Open Doors website.

Annually, at least 20,000 students apply for visas to pursue part of their academic studies in Spain, underscoring the nation's appeal as an international education hub.