Trump's New H-1B Visa Strategy: Temporary Foreign Workers to Train Americans Before Returning Home

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has outlined the new direction for H-1B visas under President Trump's administration, focusing on temporary skills transfer rather than long-term foreign labor dependency.

Despite the administration's otherwise strict immigration reforms, Trump has acknowledged the necessity of bringing in foreign talent for specific fields where American expertise is lacking.

In an interview with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, Bessent characterized the revised H-1B approach as a "knowledge transfer" initiative aimed at rebuilding America's manufacturing capabilities that have been outsourced over several decades.

"For 20-30 years, we have not offshored precision manufacturing jobs... We can't snap our fingers and say you are going to have ships overnight. We want to bring the semiconductor industry back to the US. There will be big facilities in Arizona," Bessent explained.

He further clarified the President's vision: "To bring in overseas workers who have the skills for three, five, or seven years to train the US workers. Then they can go home, and US workers will take over."

When questioned about concerns that foreign workers might displace Americans, Bessent firmly responded, "An American can't have that job – not yet."

He emphasized the practical reality of the skills gap: "We haven't built ships or semiconductors here for years. Overseas partners coming in, teaching American workers – that's a home run."

This new approach to the H-1B visa program aligns with Trump's broader strategy to repatriate critical industries and reduce America's dependence on imports.

During the interview, Bessent also addressed economic initiatives, confirming discussions about a potential $2,000 tariff rebate for families earning under $100,000. "The president's talking about a $2,000 rebate... It's part of ensuring families feel the benefits of strong trade policy," he stated.

Bessent summarized the administration's economic philosophy as "Parallel Prosperity," where Wall Street and Main Street grow together, dependent on maintaining a Treasury market that is deep, liquid, and stable.